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lilkermit14 · 3 years

Text

Lavender & Mint

Fem!reader x Pero Tovar

Synposis: In the conventional village of Cullfield lived an unconventional woman who served as an apothecary for the townsfolk. Stubborn and set in her ways, the woman of three tens remains unmarried and childless and plans to continue as such for the rest of her life, much to the horror and confusion of the village. But this unconventional woman has some surprises in store for her when an unconventional man named Pero Tovar rides into town, an event that will change both her and his plans forever—and may flip Cullfield upside down too.

Notes: Idk why I kept mentioning poop complications this chapter but I’m sorry and enjoy. It’s been a while but the CHAPTER is here. Please reblog!!!!

General Warnings: minor injuries, slow-burn, eventual smut, blood, childbirth

For this chapter: Non-sexual references to poop, mention pregnancy, murder, implicit brief reference to infanticide or child abandonment, pre-marital pregnancy and it’s complications in the 1400s, religious “morals”.

Chapter 5: Garlic

Last chapter // Next chapter

“When was the last time you passed bowels, Mister Ashdown?” you inquire, pressing on the old man’s stomach knowing you have found the root cause of his stomach issues. He blinks for a moment thinking as he lays on your observation table, before telling you, “quite some time I’m afraid.”

“I see,” you move your hands away putting your hands on your hips, “well, it seems that you just have a case of constipation––burdensome but not something hard to fix or that will have you laying on your deathbed.”

“You sure?” he asks, almost confused, moving to rise up from the table by himself only for you to come to his assistance. You clarify yourself, “Yes, you have many signs that point to it. It can be caused by a lack of competitive foods in your diet and is more likely with old age.”

“I’m not that old,” He interjects, but you compete, “Yes, but you're old enough for a blockage sir––you’ll be glad to know you’ll live to be truly old as long the burden is treated.”

He huffs now in a sitting position with legs dangling from the table, “so what do you have so i’ll shit.”

You huff at his language, “standard garlic will help move the process along, and I’m suggesting you make sure to eat more greens and berries to clear your system.”

You always assumed that you were let free to discuss any matters with your patients when they were the only ones in the shop, as no one else resided in your residence besides you. But that arrangement had changed and you were not the only one that resided in your home, “If my cock and bowels stop working just have someone put me out of my misery.”

You turn rigid and scandalized to see the face of Pero Tovar standing in your back entrance of the shop—entered unbeknownst to you through quiet steps and a lack of clear view. Mister Ashdown has no qualms defending himself, “I’m only five tens and if my cock doesn’t work how is my wife pregnant?”

You want to scream having to hear this conversation and did certainly not want to be reminded of the conversations you were subjected to by Farrah Ashdown. When the woman at four tens and five found out she was pregnant she spared no expense in telling you how it happened. You opted to rush him along before you could get his account of what he does with his wife, “okay sir here’s your supply get going now.”

“Enjoy the shit,” you hear Pero say and before mister ashdown can respond he is out your door. You turn to Pero fury and rage evident on your face as you are prepared to let the flames of hell loose on him. All he has is a stupid look on his face as he lets out the word, “what?”

“You bastard,” you begin pointing your finger at him moving towards him with menace in your voice towards a man that stands unbothered, “you do not talk to ANY of my clients in such manner especially in my shop.”

“Why is that hermosa? I would be rude to that man outside of your business, what makes your apothecary different?” He queries again with that name, only increasing your anger and distaste for him at the moment. With clenched teeth, you answer him, “I don’t care what you say to Mister Ashdown in town, but my shop is a place of respect––a place where anyone can come for health problems even if they are embarrassing. I want people to know they won’t be judged here because if they feel like they will be, they will come when it’s too late and I can’t do anything for them.”

Pero raises his brow at you, but lets you continue your rant uninterrupted, “When my mother was still alive, a young woman at ten and six came to us complaining of diarrhea, something she was embarrassed to talk about because it was gross and she did not want suitors to find out. Turns out she had sickness from a miasma––we took one look down the town well and discovered a deer had fallen in and died overnight.”

“That was lucky,” he comments, still invested in your story despite the vile nature of talking about excretion. You continue, “Yes, and we may not have caught it so soon if she didn’t come to us. The sickness is fast acting, in hours many more villagers could have been sick, but it was only her––and she lived.”

“Lived?” you smile at his question feeling pride at the healing powers your mom had and hope you live up to, “Yes, the sickness causes dehydration quickly but if you keep the person well hydrated and area clean to prevent reinfection––they will live. This summer she gave birth to her third child at my aid.”

“So their trust is important to you?” you give him a simple nod, glad he is understanding what you were asking of him. You turn to clean up the materials you had brought out to examine Mister Ashdown, not realizing that Pero was not done with questions, “Like how that woman came to you the other day crying in distress?”

You freeze––you had really thought the interest in Mariam had ended when William had first asked you about her the day after asking if she was okay. You nodded and told him it was just feminine needs and didn’t serve much interest in men, something that usually turned men away from asking questions. Well not Pero Tovar I guess, “Why was she crying?”

“It’s a complicated matt––”

“Things of safety are something I have to worry about you know,” He interjects, and you turn your head looking at him to see something serious cross his face, “I have to keep everyone in this village safe––you in particular hermosa––and I want to know if theres something you need to tell me.”

“Part of gaining trust is not telling personal information,” you counter, pulling together to formulate a lie, “It’s nothing of safety she was upset about something––she’s a friend of sorts to me.”

You can tell he doesn’t buy it––he can probably pull the full story together even though you doubt he’s heard a single thing about Mariam’s husband beating her––but he accepts, slouching and learning against a table in thought, “William and I may go for a short hunt––there's not much action in this town I’m afraid and we could use some fresh game.”

You nod, “If you catch any pigeon, I know how to handle it so it's not gamey.”

He huffs, “We're not very good hunters I’m afraid, so you’ll probably only get that or rabbit.”

–––––––––––––––––––

Pero Tovar had useful traits to him––like getting you pigeons––but he was mostly an annoyance. His mere presence always had you on edge, as you waited for something, something from him. It was usually something he said but if not it was his scent or stench rather of pine and something that was him. It was also his sloppy manner, the way he seemed raised with no table manners as he ate all your meals. He spoiled Mite, petting him and feeding him table scraps much to your despair. He was also too loud, his boots filling up the cottage and shop with noise, something that never usually happened.

You lent some time today to make more bread for the household, settling at your dining table and working the necessary ingredients for dough together. Mite lays in the corner, not doing his job as per usual and watching you with some sort of interest in the mannerisms of bread making, but he was likely just hoping for more food in the future. Kneading dough you begin to imagine the dough is Pero kneading your frustration into it. You press and it is his stupid broad shoulders that take up too much space. You pull, it’s the curls on the nape of his neck that are too unruly and untidy. You slam it down, it’s that stupid smile that appears on his face when you have entertained him. God you hate Pero Tovar.

“You may want to stop before you overwork the dough sweetheart,” You stop and see Mildred Becker staring at you with an amused look on her face. You huff Jesus, what does she want, “Sorry for my state, I didn’t hear you enter.”

“Don’t worry I understand too well––I always work out my anger into the dough,” you chuckle a little thinking about how a woman with too many children works out anger the same way as you––you definitely hate Pero Tovar, “I just stopped by because I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something.”

You perk up, “Is Cateline suffering from baby blues again.”

“No, No thank the lord––we’ve been watching over her better this time,” Mildred rounds off, and you remember despite the grievances she gives you, she is a good mother to her children. She was the first to notice that something was wrong with her daughter after the birth and came to you to talk about it. From there Cateline was able to recover and enjoy motherhood, “Something with your house guest Pero Tovar has come to my attention.”

“What did he do,” You ask, prepared to beat Pero Tovar with your broom, but Mildred settles you, “nothing he did, just something someone is doing around him.”

You raise your brow at her beckoning her to continue, “You know Stanislava Rolfe?”

“Of course,” you affirm, surprised she is asking you such a question when you have treated everyone in Cullfield five times over. Mildred continues, “Yes well, She has begun to work at the Inn as a barmaid––she did well with charming Balthasar I guess.”

You were wondering why a poor farmer's daughter’s career path interested you, but you didn’t interject, “I happened to take a quick ale there with my husband, when I noticed something with her and Pero Tovar. You see she appeared extra flirtatious with him––and although barmaids usually are flirty with men in hopes for extra coin, it was more intentional.”

You frown, how could such a beautiful young girl be interested in such a disgusting brute, “Why is she interested in him?”

“Who knows? Many of the girls around Cullfield were excited to see unfamiliar battle-hardened men I supposed,” She ponders for a moment, “all we do know is that she is likely interested in him.”

“I don’t think he is interested in taking a wife,” You contest, brushing aside that Pero would have feelings for the young girl of two tens. Mildred just gives you a hardened stare, “He doesn’t have to be interested in matrimony to want something from her.”

“Was he showing interest back?” you dig trying to figure out the full extent of what you are formulating must be a whirlwind romance. Mildred hums, “no I suppose not, but sometimes men take persistent interest as a way to have a good time.”

You bite your lip remembering that Pero did not fornicate with prostitutes but barmaids, and feel a ball of ache and pain in your stomach at the thought. Mildred instates, “I came to you about this because I want you to try to stop it.”

“Stop it?”

“Yes, make it clear he is to not have such guests,” Mildred explains, and you can tell by her tone and expression you are in for some sort of story, “You know well enough that things go arigh when an unmarried woman gets pregnant, right.”

“Of course,” you remember the chaos that erupted in families when one of their daughters ended up pregnant, and the hasty weddings that came from it. But Mildred had a different story, “although most of the time it gets swept under the rug with a quick marriage and everyone just chooses to ignore it––horrid things can happen when there's not one.”

Mildred sits down at the nearby table, in clear thought of something dark and you go to sit down at a nearby chair, “When I was about ten and eight, and old enough to understand these things, a girl was taken advantage of by a soldier in our village. She was ten and six, and him far older so he should have had the wisdom not to mess with her. What mattered was after it happened, he left with his troop and was never seen in my home village again. She got pregnant, and tried to hide it at first––her mom was dead and she had no older sisters or aunts to go to, so she was afraid to go to her father. When it became too obvious, hate inspired awful things in the leaders of the village, and by the time she gave birth it accumulated.”

Mildred takes a moment to pause, emotions brewing inside her and you feel yourself frozen in place, “she tried to talk to them, pleading, saying he pressured her––persuaded her, but they all pointed and said witch and condemned her son too. She was burn’t at the stake, and her son––well he was never seen again.”

A pause fills the air as you sit in shock, digesting what Mildred has told you, “I’m sorry you had to witness that.”

Mildred huffs, “I’m sorry too, I made sure to get a husband that would get me out of that village and landed a good one on the way––I had seen what that village did to women and children for the sake of moral value and did not intend to stay so my daughters could see too. Adultery is a two person crime that only one party, the feminine one, receives punishment for.”

“So that's why Pero and Stanislava are of such concern to you?” You assume, and Mildred nods, “Although I think Cullfield is of better standing, I don’t desire to find out what they would do if such a case erupted. The girl may be doing this because she intends to capture a man with a better job, but mercenaries rest for a few women and not those of ten and eight.”

“I can understand her intentions I suppose,” you contemplate, believing that she doesn’t hold much true interest in him, but for a better life. Mildred hums, “so is there a chance you can talk to Pero about it?”

“I already established that he is to not bring guests into my home, and I doubt they would find a secluded enough place otherwise,” you reassure, standing up, “I can even remind him today if you would like.”

“That would be good,” Mildred agrees, joining you in standing and allowing you to guide her to the door, “be on the lookout too if you see her come preying––even though he lacks true interest.”

“I will,” you say, and somewhere in your heart you feel prepared to beat Stanislava Rolfe with your broom instead of Pero.

________________

Gardening was no easy task but it was the most necessary task the runner of an apothecary and a household had. Today your tending to crops was more focused on your food supply rather than collecting the necessary ingredients to keep your shop running. You're pleased to see that the last of your harvest grew well, and know that your winter stock will last even with your house guest. You had already pulled out all the carrots, and beets, and had shucked the vines wounding your house of beans and brussel sprouts. You were now left to work at the tough vines of the gourds and squash, planning on leaving the single pumpkin for Pero to handle––who should be on his way home from helping Balthasar with something at his inn.

Standing up with the final gourd in hand––you see something that fills you with immediate displeasure and sickens you to your core. Pero is walking up to your house pursued by Stanislava. You don’t quite know why you feel this angry at him; maybe it’s because you gave him explicit reminders on conduct or maybe––something else. Seeing the near, and well hearing Stanislava, you attempt to think fast to try to get her to leave. Greeting them both in an unnatural kind manner, “Pero, Stanislava, greetings.”

Pero gives you an immediate strange look while his shadow is oblivious and greets you back, “I was just telling Pero this wonderful stor––”

“Oh I must ask how is your rash healing up,” You feel like clapping your hands over your lips the moment the words fly out of your mouth. Stanislava stops in her tracks staring at you blankly, “what?”

“The one I gave you the ointment for––on your groin,” Oh my God what were you doing.

Stanislava turns bright red, “Good thank you––I––I have things to tend to at home, good evening you two.”

Stanislava hurries off, and an amused smile erupts on Pero’s face, “thank you for finally scaring that crow off––she’s been yapping my ear off with nonsense for weeks––I guess you're my scarecrow.”

“Excuse me?” scarecrow, you were going to kill this man. He smiles, a genuine smile, “Yes you scared off my crow––like a scarecrow would. Plus you're covered in leaves right now.”

“Do not call me that”

“Fine mi espantapájaros”

“I swear I’ll smother you in your sleep”

“Is that a true promise for you? Like how you promised not to tell customers private information yet just shouted about the crow’s crotch rash,” at that your body works on it’s own, taking the gourd in your hand and flinging it at Pero’s chest. It was a magnificent shot, and caused the vegetable to break and splatter it’s internal organs onto Pero’s chest and neck. Pero steps back from the impact and looks down on the goop he’s now covered in, “Now, no good espantapájaros does that.”

You press your palm to your face, “Just cut the pumpkin for me and bring it inside, you could use a good bath anyway, your stench is disgusting.”

“I do not smell,” he retorts, and you ignore him, bringing inside your harvest. You really do hate Pero Tovar.

----------------------

Apothecary’s feelings––hate or nah yall?

Garlic is use to treat a lot of ailments in Arab traditional medicine, including heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, toothache, infections, and––as seen in this fic––constipation. Listen, I know the constipation part is true because I ate a pesto made with raw garlic and LORD did I shit. Anything else, not quite sure but hey worth a shot if you are desperate.

It is also seen as an immune booster for colds and coughs––in fact if you are congested from a cold putting a clove of garlic in each nostril can clear that shit OUT.

Garlic is also believed to help asthma symptoms. IDK if it actually is true but that’d be iconic because my mom loves garlic and she has asthma.

Garlic is my favorite seasoning. I put it in my soup. I put it in my eggs. I put it in my ramen. I put it in my burgers. I put it in my cooch––

taglist:

@poenariuniverse @harleyamidala @yespolkadotkitty @storiesofthefandomlovers @babybelou @legally-a-bastard @computeringturtle @clydesducktape @sixties-loser @buckysalefty @april-14-blog @prettylittlegoldfish @softpedropascal @maybege

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shanastoryteller · 3 years

Note

Questions about outlines: How detailed are they? Are they the same level of detail or do they vary? How do you make your outlines? Chronologically scene by scene? Or do you come up with the scenes that call you and then come up with smaller filler scenes to fill in the gaps? Do you have outlines for each chapter? Or just for the larger general plot points? Do you try to complete the outlying before starting the fic? Or do you add to the outline as you go? Sorry if this is to many at once

lmao okay i got several asks about outlines but i’m just going to answer this one because it’s ~comprehensive~

every writing teacher i’ve ever had has hated my outlines. my friends find them incomprehensible.

if people are going to look at my answers as ways to do their own outlines, i have to say: that’s probably not a good idea

i don’t write outlines a majority of the time

i don’t write outlines to plan a story i’ve already decided to write

i write outlines primarily as a way to exorcise story ideas that i want to write but don’t want to actually commit to writing (answer prompts are another way i do this lol)

now, some things do get outlines as a way to plan and organize. survival is a talent has an outline because it’s 400k and spans six years. child king had an outline. needy’s body had an outline.

b u t

i’m currently writing rotten work without an outline

lynchpin didn’t have an outline

hope is the thing with feathers didn’t have an outline

never grow a wishbone only had an outline for the first couple of chapters

an invincible summer didn’t get an outline until like. chapter 4 of 6.

i just. uh. think about what i want to happen and then hope i remember to write it down. even when i do an outline, i’ll deviate from it wildly, and not update it to reflect that, because i know what i’m doing (ha!)

so! with that in mind, let’s go!

How detailed are they? Are they the same level of detail or do they vary?

they vary! but honestly - not very. sometimes i’ll write out a paragraph or bits of dialogue that are important to me, but most of the time it’s just broad strokes of what i want to happen, or a mechanism of how something complicated happens. like i have several paragraphs in my siat outline dealing with necromancy books, but like. two sentences on how they actually occur in the story because that’s just something i’m trusting myself to figure out when i sit down to write it.

How do you make your outlines? Chronologically scene by scene? Or do you come up with the scenes that call you and then come up with smaller filler scenes to fill in the gaps?

I try to put them chronologically, although sometimes that’s a little hard (in siat i have several scenes that i know will happen, i just don’t know when). that is something i will go back and edit on my outlines, is if i’ve changed the order the something happens i’ll go back and copy and paste until my outlines is in the right order. but only if the outlines is something i’m actually using to write and the story is longer than a couple of chapters.

because my outlines are so very not detailed, i just write down what it is that i want to write, like the reason i’m going to write this or want to write this, and figure out the rest later. i’ll fill it in later - or i won’t! because most of the time i don’t use my outline to actually write the story, and i use it more as an idea list, so if i don’t know what happens between scenes or i find it boring i just won’t write it down

like, for example, here is my “outline” for won’t even plant a garden in it’s entirety

weep as a woman

“you weep as a woman weeps.” “and how is that?” “as if the future rests on your hips, and you must walk it forward.”

crowley and eve were friends. cain killed abel with the flaming sword, and crowley begged them to say it was with a rock instead

crowley was raphael the painter and fucked michelangelo

crowley was there the night yeshua was born, was friends with mary, helped raise yeshua?

ghosts

crowley and anathema and joan of arc

i ended up dropping most of this and crowley ended up sleeping with both eve and yeshua as the major plot points. i don’t explain stuff, really. i know what i mean so i just don’t bother to get very detailed most of the time.

Do you have outlines for each chapter? Or just for the larger general plot points?

siat i divide up by year, and i think i did it by chapter for the last two chapters of build your wings on the way down, but otherwise it’s just one long list. i do my chapters based on words counts rather than content, so outlining by chapter doesn’t really make sense for me (siat is always around 15k a chapter, and everything else i do these days thats multi chapter is around 8k because that’s the best, but ngawb was 5k a chapter and i think for child king it was around 11k a chapter)

Do you try to complete the outlying before starting the fic? Or do you add to the outline as you go?

I’m constantly adding as a i go! my outlines are never really “complete” they’re just abandoned. i write down what i think will help me and tend to ignore the rest. sometimes i just. talking to myself in my outlines when i’m trying to think something through.

my outline for child king is under the cut because that’s one that’s a good mix of stuff i kept and stuff i threw out. DON’T JUDGE ME!! bad ideas don’t get written because they’re bad!! it’s part of the ~process~

child king

Summary: “A child king is still a king,” Deaton says softly. “A child king is still a child,” he snaps, but he knows this is an argument he’s already lost. – Stiles is a born alpha, and after the Hale fire, things get real complicated, real fast.

Stiles’s mom is the last remaining human from a pack that was destroyed by hunters. John is the one that helps her after, so he knows everything. When they move to beacon hills she doesn’t feel the need to say anything to the hale pack, because as far as they’re concerned she’s just a human, and she doesn’t want to get involved in pack business. But then stiles is born with red eyes. The doctor is quiet and scared john and Claudia freak out, but it’s because he’s a werewolf, which is a relief to parents because they thought something was wrong with their kid. Maybe they don’t know he’s an alpha, only that he’s a wolf? Or they know and they keep it a secret on purpose

Claudia is the one to approach mrs. Hale. She tells her that her son is a born werewolf, but that she’s not interested in joining their pack. Her husband is a new deputy and they just bought a house but they’ll move if they have to. “he’ll need a pack one day. It’s safer,” she says. “if he wants to join you one day, I won’t stop him. But that’s not a choice I’m willing to make for him.” Mrs hale agrees that they can say separate as in exchange for the sheriff smoothing over some ruffled feathers no and again. They agree. Claudia to sheriff “we’re going to have to move one day. Our son is an alpha, and he’ll need to make his own pack.”

Stiles is seven the first time he snarls at his mom, eyes flashing red, and she freezes. She’s got the pack instinct, it doesn’t matter that hes her kid, hes still her alpha, so its hella awkward. John can see how this will quickly spiral out of control if they can discipline their own kid. But stiles is the one to back down first, apologizing and doing as he’s told. There are careful power structures here, and this is the beginning of differentiating between stiles the human and stiles the wolf.

When his mom gets sick, stiles offers to turn her. Hale offers to turn her. She refused for Reasons that I have to figure out. Maybe the politics of it? Wanting to protect stiles and not wanting to become part of the hale pack

The fire happens. John ships stiles the hell out of dodge, because there are hunters about. He snoops around enough to figure out it was kate argent, but theres not really anything he can do about it

Scott knows about everything, and tries to tell his mom in a really akward way that they should trust stiles if they’re ever in danger, but she just laughs it off. Except when someone breaks in and threatens her with a gun, and she manages to make a phone call, it’s not 911, not john, but stiles, and she doesn’t even know why, regrets it as soon as it happens. But then stiles shows up and breaks both of the guys, eyes glowing red, and then calls his dad and scott to take care of it, because they’re humans, so they get human punishments. Melissa is told everything.

Scott has a bad asthma attack and, and Melissa asks about the bite. Scott is itching for it. He wants it so badly. Stiles has already promised to turn them when they turn 18, and Melissa knows that. She asks if theres a reason to wait, and the answer is nah, not really. So he gets the bite. Stiles being like uh psa punishments cant include scott staying away

After hale fire and stiles gets back, he’s shocked that hey just left, and that they left peter behind. He starts visiting peter several times a week. He tells his dad that they should pay for his medical care. They have a fuckton of money because his mom inherited all the pack wealth, and john doesn’t touch it because that’s stiles’s money, that’s werewolf money. But this is a werewolf thing, so he agrees. “his pack left him dad.”

Stiles bites Erica when they’re 14. Some point in middle school stiles wises up to the Isaac thing and tells his dad he needs to arrest his dad, or stiles is going to kill him, and he’s not even a little bit joking. Stiles hears Isaac crying while going by the house? In johns squad car. Makes them pull over, then bursts into the house. John goes with it because his son’s eyes are red.

Some point after the hales leave, things start trying to move into hale territory. Some wolves? Stiles smells them, and ends up at 10 years old telling them to fuck off. This how scott finds out? He’s with scott and his dad. Deaton is facing off against something? Panics when stiles intervenes, but stiles goes wolfy and red eyes and is like. This is mine now fuck off. Looks at the hale house, and finally says, we have to take care of this. We have to. But they don’t own the house or the land or any of it. They do … something

Stiles ends up having to deal with a lot of crap real young

Stiles has scott and Isaac when peter wakes up. Stiles is there, and peter isn’t crazy because he wasn’t abandoned to die alone. Stiles says he can stay, or he can go, not trying to pressure anything. Peter chooses to become part of stiles’s pack, because his family is either dead or abandoned him. Peter ends up moving in with them as he finishes healing and to get used to being in a pack and with stiles. It’s very strange for john, but it’s a werewolf thing and he’s trying to be supportive. After a couple months, stiles tells his dad that having peter is a relief, that there’s finally someone who knows things, someone older who can support him as a werewolf. Peter acts as his second, and he finally has some degree of authority that age has lost him. Stiles has peter take care of the hale house. Peter and stiles have the conversation, where peter is like the hale land is your land now. You’re the alpha of beacon hills. He does what stiles directs him to.

Isaac is living with scott under stiles’s direction ish. But lots of Melissa. Isaac like I don’t wantto be afraid anymore, I don’t want to hurt anymore, and stiles is like. Okay. We’ll fix this. But he doesn’t bite Isaac until he goes to a shitton of therapy and has mostly sorted himself out. For isaac’s fifteenth birthday, he bites him.

Erica is spur of the moment, it’s something that all instinct and very little thought. OR they’re dating and it happesn? Erica’s parents suck. Stiles doesn’t want the balancing act of being boyfriend and alpha.

Jackson is so fucking desperate to belong to something. He nags and nags and nags and finally stiles bites him at least half to shut him up.

“dad can I talk to you about something weird and uncomfortable and a little creepy” talks about crush on Lydia, and how he’s not sure if its because he has a crush on her or if it’s bc he thinks she’ll be good for the pack. Lydia joins before Jackson, and she’s the one that pushes stiles into it. Lydia and stiles are not dating, but she’s clearly high in the hiarchey.

Boyd? Just like. Shows up. Idk.

So by the time laura and derek show up, stiles’s pack is: john, Melissa, peter, Lydia, Jackson, danny, Isaac, boyd, Erica, deaton (who’s acting as emissary but is training danny). Maybe bring in some later characters, like malia and kira and cora. Ooooh maybe the twins show up before they became alphas, still run aways and looking for something else? Stiles takes them on. Stiles finds malia early on after the fire

Peter is willing to forgive derek but he has a lot of shit with laura. Stiles agrees to let laura and derek stay and not be part of his pack, although laura insists she doesn’t need his permission. She snaps at peter to come home with them, and he looks at her like she’s insane. He says there’s no hale pack, and if there was, he’s not interested. He’s a stillinkski wolf now. Cora too maybe? Double blow. Peter owns the hale land, and he makes it clear the day stiles turns 18 he’ll be signing it over to him. Stiles is known by the surrounding packs.

Stiles has to somehow defend the surrounding area, has to make it clear he’s his and that he’s not willing to give it up. It’s valuable land. People are going to come looking for it once people figure out it’s abandoned. When deaton finds out stiles is an alpha, he goes around as an emissary to the surrounding packs. Saying that its under stiles now. He’s known to them so it goes mostly uncontested. This is when he and the sheriff have the child king conversation.

Stiles tries really, really hard to be a good alpha. That means controlling the territory, and working with other packs when members go rouge or something goes wrong. He’s thirteen the first time he goes to lend a hand in a fight, and it’s young, it’s too young, but he’s an alpha. He has to do this, to maintain the peace. And the thing is – stiles is good at this, good at not pushing, at not using his status as a crutch or an excuse, instead as a tool.

Maybe this is why no one cares for laura’s excuses. As much as laura wasn’t ready to take on the responsibility, she was an adult, if only barely. Stiles is a literal child, and in her absence shouldered it all. So even if she does technically have a claim, none of them are willing to honor it. “if you kill alpha stiles, you won’t have allies, you’ll have enemies.”

Allison and argents. Stiles brings his pack to kill kate. Gives peter the chance to do it himself, and is so very proud when he says no. but instead of letting her go free, stiles crushes her throat. “revenge would have been trapping you all in here and setting the whole thing on fire. Justice would have been making you watch as she burned alive. This was mercy, and don’t you forget it.” Scott is hella in love with Allison, but he knows this comes first. Her mom is full of hatred, but stiles more than makes it clear that he has no problem with killing her too.

Stiles sees derek soon after. They’ve already gone back and forth a lot. But he and laura weren’t there. Stiles tells him what he did. They have a ~moment~

Derek wants so very much to join stiles’s pack, but he doesn’t want to lose laura.

Something finally convinces laura to take the plunge and the stillinksi pack is one happy family

#asks #anon #writing advice

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weasleymalfoypotter · 3 years

Text

i hate you (but not really) pt4

draco malfoy x fem!syltherin! potter reader

part 1 | part 2 | part 3

summary: draco malfoy and harry potters twin sister have hated each other since they met. but in 5th year he comes to find that maybe he doesn’t hate her and the reasons he did end up be the things he loves

word count: 2k

warnings: fluff, a little angst, cussing

A/N: i am honestly really proud of this chapter and i’m really excited for the next two. i think there are only gonna be six parts but i really hope you enjoy this one. please like and comment suggestions or criticism and feel free to reblog!! also i have a lot of stuff coming out soon so stay updated and i’ll be posting a master list once i post more fics

it’s safe to say that i am in love with draco malfoy. these last few months have been ethereal. we took our time in getting to know every detail about each other, although it wasn’t necessarily by choice. it was a lot more difficult than we thought it would be to spend time together like a normal couple would do while hiding the relationship from everyone we knew and even those we didn’t. we decided very early on that it would be best to keep it a secret for now. if his family found out about us it wouldn’t end well for him and if my brother and godfather found out... it would end very early for him. it was actually fun keeping it a secret, always sneaking around the castle, learning everyone’s routines to keep away from prying eyes, and hiding away from other prefects and filch. we abused our prefect positions to help with the whole secret relationship which is exactly what we aren’t supposed to do as prefects but it’s justified in my mind.

we’ve been together in secret for 6 months now and i think we’re both tired of not being able to sit next to each other in the great hall, walk and in hand to classes, kiss when everyone was watching, and simply go to hogsmeade together like a normal freaking couple.

we went to my dorm room after dinner on thursday night and made sure no one saw him come in. i didn’t have any roommates , thank merlin, so we didn’t have to worry about that. we cuddle up next to each other just talking about anything and everything until he moved from underneath me to sit up, criss crossed, in the middle of my bed and spoke

“i think it’s time” he was being serious and goofy at the same time which was just adorable but i was stubborn and wouldn’t tell him that. i raised my eyebrows at his statement and questioned him.

“what are you talking about?” i tilted my head to the side, voice calm and unwavering. i knew what he was talking about but i was terrified. i also knew he would be right.

“i’m talking about us, about telling people, if it gets back to my parents i’ll just tell them it’s a silly rumor. the only thing we have to do is tell your brother” his voice trailed off at the end of his statement. telling harry was the terrifying part

“i want to tell people, i really do, but harry is going to be so unbelievably upset, you have no idea. not only have i been lying to him for the past 6 months, i’m also in love with his arch nemesis who he’s hated for the past 5 years. it’s not going to go well” i was talking animatedly with my hands.

“i know but we have to get it over with sooner or later, and it’ll only be worse if it’s later” he’s right. and i hate it. i sighed and laid back on my bed and pulled me next to him. “i know you don’t want to but it really won’t be that bad”

“what were the last words my brother said to you?” he chuckled but didn’t say anything and i knew it’s because it would prove my point. “exactly. he’s going to hate me” he was tracing circles on my arm and he kissed the top of my head

“he’s not going to hate you, trust me, i used to and we saw how well that ended” we both laughed, he always made me laugh when i needed it.

“i would say it ended rather nicely” i said with a smile tilting my face to look at his. he was smiling and i loved it. i took in his features and tried to suppress this moment to memory, trying to take a mental picture of him because he was just perfect. he looked down at me laying on his chest, looking at him with my e/c eyes and i just melted.

“it ended better than nicely in my opinion” he was smiling and it was beautiful. he leaned his head down to kiss me and the only words to describe this moment and every other i’d spent with him was perfect.

here it goes. time to tell harry. or not. let’s not. dammit i cant, i promised draco i would do it. harry would usually keep me updated on their common room password so i could hang out with them or study away from the slytherins so i made my way to the portrait hole. i said the password and walked in. sure enough harry, hermione, and ron were at a couch, hermione doing homework while harry and ron talked. upon hearing someone come in they lifted their heads and smiled when they saw me.

“y/n! hey i’ve barely seen you all day where have you been?” harry asked. he hadn’t seen me all day because i was so nervous about telling him that i avoided him like the plague.

“oh you know, classes and prefect stuff has been keeping me really busy lately” i nodded fondling with my hands awkwardly

“tell me about it, i’ve been studying nonstop and i think i might fall over at any given moment.” hermione was exhausted and you could hear it in the way she spoke while she scribbled with her quill.

“you alright y/n? you look flustered” ron showed concern on his face and he was right, i am very flustered, but he gave me a segue.

“listen i actually need to tell you three something” this caught their attention and hermione put her quill down as they lifted their heads up

“what’s up?” harry asked

“okay so you have to promise me to be calm...at least at first, and don’t get mad right away because i’ll explain everything” they all looked so worried but i knew they weren’t expecting what i was going to say.

“y/n what’s going on?” harry questioned.

“promise me. all three of you. you have to promise”

“okay we promise” hermione stated and the boys nodded in agreement. i let out a breath and decided to get it over with

“so... i um..” i sighed “i’m dating someone” their faces lit up at this, harry looked excited but concerned at the same time

“who is it?! why didn’t you tell us you liked someone? when did this happened?” ron questioned before anyone else could get a word out. he was happy for me, you could hear it in his voice, and it warmed my heart but in a few seconds he wouldn’t be so warm.

“okay this is the part where you can’t get mad” they nodded, and harry just wanted to know who was dating his sister. “umm, i- uh... okay. it’s draco malfoy” i said the last part quickly and i bit my bottom lip ready for the world to fall apart. hermione’s eyebrows furrowed and her mouth dropped. ron’s eyes were wide and he was blinking as he started daggers into me with his mouth agape, and harry didn’t skip a beat.

“what the hell do you mean ‘it’s draco malfoy’!” he stood as he spoke and he was trying so hard not to completely yell but he was so confused and on the verge of pure rage.

“i mean that i’m dating draco malfoy” i stated simply. he blinked and the other two stayed silent to let him react.

“NO YOURE NOT!!”

“yes i am, now if you let me explain-“

“THERES NOTHING TO EXPLAIN Y/N!” i looked at him with pleading eyes and he took a deep breath. “okay okay there has to be some rationality to this so explain what the hell is going on. explain to me why you’re ‘dating’ the most foul, evil, and terrible person we know. explain to me how you could do this. explain to me how this is supposed to be okay” he said angrily and quite loudly. i took a deep breath and looked away before meeting his eyes again

“he isn’t foul and evil and terrible actually” i stated calmly.

“HA!! right and voldemort didn’t kill our parents. how long has this been going on?” he was flinging his hands around as he talked. i looked at my feet “y/n... how long has this been going on?”

“six months.” i said quietly, but he heard me. his face dropped

“i’m sorry, what?” he blinked hard “you mean to tell me that you’ve been dating draco fucking malfoy behind my back for six months?! you’ve been lying to me for six months?”

“i didn’t know how to tell you. i knew you wouldn’t understand and we wanted to keep it a secret for a while” ron and hermione were listening intently to everything still in shock

“OF COURSE I WOULDNT FUCKING UNDERSTAND!!” he ran a hand through his hair and took another deep breath “y/n how, why would you ever be with him? how could you trust him? how could you trust anything he says? how could you excuse his behavior?” he had a point...but i had an answer. and one that he couldn’t dispute.

“i know he was horrible for the longest time but he never wanted to be. everything he did in the past was because of his father and he has hated himself for it his whole life, he’s wanted nothing more than to apologize. it’s not an excuse and he knows that, especially with everything he’s said to you” i looked at hermione “but that’s not him.” i spoke with a pleading tone trying to get them to understand that draco isn’t terrible and loathsome.

“and how can you believe all of that? how can you trust what he’s telling you?” i looked at all three of them before i answered

“because he took off his ring” their faces showed even more shock than when i initially told them that i was dating draco malfoy behind their backs for six months.

“he what?!” hermione asked.

“back in september he told me he liked me, i asked all the questions you did. i asked him how i could trust him, so he took off his ring. i saw draco for he really is and not what we all though him to be” i sighed while harry sat down took all of this in. knowing that draco was being honest and that he was actually kind is a shock for most at first. ron was still speechless

“i still just- i don’t know how to...process this” harry said after pulling his face out of his hands

“i know and i don’t expect you to understand and be totally excepting at first but once you get to know him for who he really is, you’ll understand.” ron finally spoke up next

“he really has left everyone alone all year, no bullying, pranks, nothing. i guess that makes sense now.”

“this is so weird” hermione said “i honestly can’t imagine him any other way than how we’ve known him”

“he’s actually the biggest dork ever. he’s sweet, and funny, and...just wonderful” i said. now that everything settled down i felt better. their responses were different because there was no lying when i was in someone’s mindscape. they had to believe what i said i saw in his head. i sat down next to harry and he spoke

“don’t go expecting us to be buddies anytime soon, but if you really say that all of this is true and he really is a good person underneath his... facade, i’ll trust you” i hugged him and hermione and ron joined in

“i love you guys” i said and a chorus of i love you too’s surrounded me. this went better than i expected and i knew draco would be happy that tomorrow we could walk into the great hall hand in and hand for the first time.

TAGS: @idkmanicantenglish @dracoswhore007 @lordlodge

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starlight-writes-stuff · 3 years

Text

chapter one - the note // light me up : a draco malfoy fic

a/n : hello ! this is chapter one of light me up. it is a bit short- i really want to get outside opinions on what you think ; i hope you enjoy ! seeing as i have exactly 0 followers on this here blog this story will also be posted on wattpad (where i’m known as starlight--writes) . it’s a bit easier to grow on there , but i figured theres always a chance of someone finding this fic on here and falling in love with it . anyways , if you’re seeing this , reblogs and notes are always appreciated . requests are open as well ! k , bye (:

reblogs are always appreciated ! <3

☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁ ☁

Charms was your least favorite class of the day. Usually you looked forward to it, eagerly awaiting getting to sit next to your boyfriend, Cedric Diggory, but in the week that the two of you had broken up, it had been torture. You still had to sit with him- the seating was assigned that way, but now instead of kisses when you walked in and holding hands under the table, it was forced smiles and awkward greetings.

So far, you’d spent the whole class looking down at your lap, tangling your fingers together and trying to take up as little space as possible. Maybe, if you were still enough, he would just forget you were there. You made no noise, no sudden movements; essentially, acting like you didn’t even exist. However, that illusion was broken when Nearly Headless Nick has floated in through the back wall, holding a letter that he handed to Professor Flitwick. He read it over silently, then looked up and directly at you. He cleared his throat and stepped down from the pile of books he stood on, and shuffled over to you.

“Miss Y/L/N, it seems you are needed elsewhere. When you finish, please see me for the homework,” he said with a warm smile, handing you the parchment he was holding.

You smiled back- Professor Flitwick had always been nice to you- and grabbed your bag without even reading the short note; if it meant not having to be so close to Cedric, you were happy for the excuse. As you got up, you felt a gentle tug on your sleeve and your stomach flew up into your throat. Looking up, you saw Cedric smile and drop his grip on your shirt.

“When you’re done, can we talk?” he asked quietly, trying not to draw any attention to either of you. “I’d like to. I’ll wait in the library after classes.”

You couldn’t muster a vocal response- this was the most he’d said to you in a week, and from the look on his face, it seemed important. You just nodded and fled the room, trying to compose yourself before the pumpkin pastie you had eaten before Charms came back up.

Once you were in the silent, stony hallway, you took a deep breath. Everything was fine. He probably just wanted his jumper back- it was his favorite, and he’d given it to you for pajamas a while ago. You leaned your head back against the cool cobblestone of the hallway, and retrieved the note from your bag, reading it over twice before you fully comprehended the meaning.

Miss Y/LN, Excuse the interruption of your class- upon review of your marks, it seems that you will be quite alright missing a charms class and upholding your grade. The staff have deliberated the results of your try out for Slytherin House’s Quidditch Team, and we are glad to offer you the position of a back-up seeker. Please meet the current Slytherin seeker- Draco Malfoy- in the dining hall for a private practice. We hope this letter finds you well, Slytherin House Quidditch Staff

You tried to contain your excitement, but couldn’t wipe the grin off of your face as you made your way to the Dining Hall. You had mostly tried out for Quidditch as a one off thing, to get Cedric to shut up about it. You absolutely hadn’t expected to be chosen and assigned a spot, so the letter was the only bright point in your week so far. As you entered the great hall, you saw the white-blonde head you were supposed to be meeting leaned over a roll of parchment, chewing on his lower lip.

☁ ☁ ☁

Draco Malfoy was in the same year as you- the same house as well- but the two of you had never talked much. Your social circles weren’t intertwined, and besides the few classes you had with him, you didn’t run into him often. As you walked over to him, you dimly wondered if he even knew your name.

“Draco? I’m supposed to meet with you, right?” you asked, timidly. He looked up from his books to meet your eyes.

“Oh, right. Sorry, I’m trying to get this Potions work done, but…” he tapered off, shaking his head. “Anyway. Sorry- but yes, Flint asked me to meet with you. Y/N, right?”

“Right,” you said with a nod, “Yeah. And I have the answers for the Potions homework, if you want them.”

Draco gathered all his things, shoving them into his bag and asked, “Really? Oh. Wait. Aren't you in my potions class?”

You nodded, and went to fish the paper out of your book, wondering why you’d offered in the first place. You weren’t one to let others copy. “Yeah. I finished it last night, so you can look over it, if you want to,” you replied, handing him the parchment. He took the roll from your hand, giving you a half-smile.

“Thank you. I can’t seem to understand Potions, like, ever, so I appreciate it. I promise, this will only take a couple minutes; I’ll have you out on the field right after.”

You settled beside him and pulled out your Charms book- might as well finish reading the chapter while you have the time. You could hear Draco muttering the words under his breath as he scratched them down with his quill, and found that oddly endearing. Besides him being the seeker for Slytherin, and his constant feud with Harry Potter, you really didn’t know much about the tall boy sitting next to you, so that fact that you knew how he took notes seemed almost… intimate. Like something you shouldn’t know, but you did. As you pondered on this, you started to wonder what else you didn’t know about him. You referenced the general knowledge of him you’d picked up over the last six years.

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Name- Draco Malfoy (son of Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, who were well known in the wizard community. Kind of a dark family, though.)

Year- 6

Position- Seeker

Attributes- tall, handsome, good Quidditch player, constantly nagging at harry potter for reasons unknown, friends with Crabbe and Goyle, mumbles while taking notes. Had never had a girlfriend, to your knowledge, but had many hookups. Quiet and brooding and slightly scary. Very intimidating, and taller than you’d think. He smelled good, like citrus and musk and old parchment, and his hair looked soft. He was a pretty boy, really. Scarily pretty.

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You were still trying to think of anything you’d heard about him, other than the general assumptions of him: good looking, but a woeful git to just about everyone, when he shut his book and slid the roll of parchment back over to you.

“Thanks, again. So you’re gunning for my spot on the team?” he asked, packing up his things. You felt your face flush, and didn’t know how to respond when he chuckled and spoke up. “I’m kidding. It’s always good to have backup players, for when we get hurt. You must’ve really impressed Flint- he was going on and on about the ‘new girl’ at practice.”

Your cheeks got hot again as the two of you walked out of the dining hall and through the passages leading out to the field. “I guess so. I really didn’t think anything would come of me trying out.”

Draco ran a hand through his hair and walked out into the courtyard. “Really? What took you so long to try out, if you don't mind me asking? We’re always looking for new talent.”

You looked up at him out of the corner of your eye, and saw that he was waiting on an answer. “Um- I really didn’t ever think about playing, honestly. Over last summer, I was dragged into a game by a couple of friends, and they told me I had a knack for it. Then Cedric wouldn’t stop bugging me about trying to join the team, so I did.”

“That’s right. Isn’t he your boyfriend?”

You felt your heart pang at his words, and gave him a tight lipped smile. “He was. We aren’t really together anymore.”

“Oh. I’m sorry, I didn't know. I’ve just seen you two around, so I assumed…” he trailed off, looking down at you with sympathetic eyes.

“It’s fine. It was pretty recent that we,” you hesitated, almost choking on the words. “It was recently that we split up. No one really knows yet, besides close friends.”

Draco nodded, pulling a key out of his pocket. He unlocked a door on the side of the castle that you didn’t even realize existed, and walked into the cramped room. It was full of Quidditch supplies- practice jerseys, brooms, and the trunk that held all the equipment. He picked it up, and you could see the muscles in his forearms flexing and shifting under his pale skin as he held the heavy trunk.

“Well, I won't tell anyone. I’m sorry, I know how that can be. Will you grab two of those?” he asked, nodding at the wall behind you. Multiple brooms were mounted on it, and you grabbed two, following him out of the room. You replayed his sentence in your head. ‘I know how that can be.’ and wondered if you had missed something. You’d never seen Draco with a girl, much less a girlfriend. But maybe he was one to keep his relationships quiet. It made things much easier when you broke up if no one knew you were dating anyone in the first place.

“Yeah. It’s been… it hasn’t been fun. But, anyway, I really tried out because of that. When I didn’t hear anything for a bit, I figured that I hadn’t made it.”

“Yeah, the review takes a long time. Snape has the whole team review tryouts, then selects certain people to start training. Just about everyone was impressed with yours, though.”

“Well that’s good, right? I mean, if I’m being trained, I assume that I made it.”

Draco smiled down at you, dropping the trunk on the grass. “Welcome to the team. Let’s see what you can do.”

☁ ☁ ☁

After a few hours of flying about Draco started packing the trunk back up, strapping the snitch back into place. The curls that had previously adorned your head had fallen limp from flying, and you were out of breath as the two of you walked back to the supply cabinet.

“I can see why Flint was so impressed. You really could take my spot, if you wanted it,” Draco said with a smile, unlocking the hidden door once more.

“I don’t think so. But thank you.”

He placed the trunk back on a shelf, and turned to you, crossing his arms. Again, you watched the muscles ripple under his skin and tried not to flush. “You really are good. Maybe not better than me, but good,” he said, and you could feel his eyes on you as you returned the brooms to their wall mountings.

“I’ve seen you play, Malfoy. If you can take the snitch out from under Cedric’s nose, then I'm not sure I'll be put to much use.”

“Oh, please. Cedric isn’t what I would call competition’” he joked, locking the door behind the two of you. “And if you were watching Cedric play, how would you know if I’m any good?” he raised an eyebrow at you, and your heart fluttered in your chest.

You’d always known Draco was good looking- it was hard not to notice that- but he was also wickedly funny, and quick witted. You felt better than you had in a week for the first time today, and you didn’t doubt that some of it had to do with the blonde boy beside you.

“Just because I was dating someone in a different house doesn’t mean I ever stopped rooting for ours. I know where my loyalties lie.”

He gave you a sweet smile, and the two of you continued walking back to the castle in comfortable silence. When you ducked back into the bustling hallways from the courtyard, Draco cleared his throat, stopping in the small alcove.

“So. Um, I think we should probably do this again. You did almost all solo flying today, but you need to feel the pressure of racing against someone as well. That’s half of being a seeker, is racing your opponent. Do you have a free period sometime this week?” he asked, and you felt your heart stir again- while you might’ve needed more training, you had a nagging feeling that it was a little more than that. The two of you had a good time, and you hadn’t seen Draco smile that much in the whole six years you’d been at Hogwarts with him.

“Sure. I have two on Thursday. Just let me know when you’re free; I’m in the common room a lot, so I should be easy to find.”

He grinned down at you, his blonde hair flopping down and over his forehead and cleared his throat. “Okay. sounds good. I’ll see you later, then?”

You nodded, and gave him a smile. “I’ll see you around.”

☁ ☁ ☁

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missdawnandherdusk · 4 years

Text

Tale As Old As Time

Draco X Gryffindor!Reader

Part One Part Two Part Three Part Four

Part Five Part Six Part Seven Part Eight

Part Nine Part Ten

Summary: The Yule Ball is finally here and maybe just once you get to be the princess in a fairy tale.

A/N: Guys, guys, this chapter IS SO SWEET AND SOFT AND I’M ASDKJDADGAD anyway. Hello to those of you who are new! I love you all so much (and if anyone would like context or a visual for this chapter see Cinderella or ya know your favorite Disney princess dance sequence... there are so many) I love you all! Please let me know what you think! Also catch this on AO3 soon!!

Tags: @un-limiteddd @geekysimmerthings @coffee-addicti @ilikestuffproductions @msmcsmutt @ravn-87 @artemismohr18 @whygz @crazywritingbug @dolphincommander @bisexualbumblebeesstuff @fuzzy-panda @bitemebro522 @zombiesnips-blog @jillanaholland @shookyungsoo @savingdraco @welcometomyworldwithoutrules @akari180 @slytherin-emerald @chaotic-good-gemini @memalfoy-spidey @theres-a-dog-outside-omg @queenfeatherwings @fanficflaneuse @go-whovian-universe @spicyshenanigans @darling-im-not-okay-i-promise @dietkiwi @katsukink @takemetothekingdom @strangerr-things @tmnt-queen @mccloudchloe @hxneybgb @justsomerandomgur @belcvayelena @moviesbooksandfandoms @howdycharlie @littlethingsinmymindla

Christmas Eve and it seemed like the week had passed faster than the week before. Between finding a last-minute present—and a letter to Mrs. Weasley to see if a miracle could really happen—and wrapping the ones I already had, I was exhausted come Christmas Eve, so I did what I did every year: I read a book.

“So, do you have a dress for the Ball?” Hermione asked as we lounged in the Common Room watching the boys play chess.

“Yeah, my mother sent me one, it was the parcel I got the other morning,” I noted, my eyes not leaving my book—A Christmas Carol.

It was the evening before the Ball as well, and we were enjoying the buzz of the common room as Christmas approaching in the morning had everyone in a stupor. I had seen Draco at dinner, but Hermione stole me back for the evening, well, she tried.

Penelope swooped in and a letter landed in my lap.

“Oh, come on, I just got you back in here,” Hermione groaned. “Doesn’t he have his own party at Slytherin?”

“Maybe he’s invited her. I’ve heard so much about how good Slytherin parties are,” Ron looked up hopefully.

I smiled and rolled my eyes, breaking the seal and opening the letter.

Meet me at the Astronomy Tower as soon as you can, dress warm.

Draco

Three pairs of eyes were on me.

“I... have to go?” I offered sheepishly.

“A party?” Ron asked.

“No, just... never mind. It’s not a party.” I shrugged as I got up and stretched.

Grabbing my winter boots, scarf and fur lined jacket—that my mother also sent—I headed own the drafty halls and up to the Astronomy Tower.

“Draco?” I called as I reached the top step. He turned, a smile making its way to his face.

“Hey,” He helped me up the stair, taking my gloved hand in his. “These are new?” He mused, eyeing the black leather fur lined gloves.

“Mother sent them; someone must have told her that I was cold.” I gave him a side eyed look. He chuckled and pulled me close

“So, the ball is tomorrow,” He began

“Yes, that is how time works,” I mused. “I believe it is Christmas as well,”

“Yes, I haven’t forgotten,” He scoffed with a smile. “And I assume, since you weren’t... here growing up, I assume you have no idea how to dance,” He raised an eyebrow.

“Oh, and you do?” I scoffed.

“Yes,” He answered simply. “This isn’t my first Ball Y/n,”

“So, you’ve danced with other girls before?” I raised an eyebrow. I wasn’t as jealous as I let off, it was just fun to watch him scramble over something so simple.

“Yes,” He sounded strained.

I smiled and pulled him to the center of the walkway, pulling him close.

“Teach me then,” I took his hand and he pulled me close, into first position. “You’re right, I have never danced before,” I confessed.

“I know,” He mused. “This is going to be horrendous,”

A laugh escaped his lips and mine. I sighed and took his hand as his other rested on my waist and mine on his shoulder. Music came from somewhere, but I didn’t question it, I was too focused on not stumbling.

“It’s a pattern,” He told me. “One, two, three, four,” He instructed.

It took a few—hundred—tries, but Draco was persistent. Soon I was tripping over my own feet less and spinning around the Tower laughing as I danced almost flawlessly in sweatpants. Now only if I could do it in heels and a dress.

Draco pulled me in and be began to speed up the pace, leading me into new steps before his hands moved quickly and he easily dipped me.

“Draco!” I exclaimed and gripped for him as he righted me.

“Did you think I was going to let you fall?” He teased as our dance stilled, the two of us closer than ever.

“Haven’t you already?” I asked, my hands drifting to their familiar place around his neck.

“Have you fallen for me then, Miss Lupine?” He asked softly, the electric current growing stronger as the distance between us closed.

Staring into blue eyes, I felt the coolness of a river, and the gentle waves of the ocean, comforting me with their chill. An entire world laid behind them, one that I yearned to explore and know every part of.

“I think so,” I whispered the confession. “A Lupine and a Malfoy,” I scoffed softly.

“What an idea,” He pondered. “To fall for someone like you,”

I smiled and pressed my lips softly to his, basking in his warmth. Now that we had stopped dancing, the winter air began to seep through my clothes. When I shivered, he pulled away and chuckled.

“You know, with all the spell and potions and charms out there, you would think there would be something to keep you warm,” Draco baited.

“I have you, don’t I?” “I suppose you do,”

Draco walked me back to the Gryffindor portrait in comfortable silence. Another fleeting goodnight kiss and I was far from being cold.

“I’ll meet you here tomorrow then? Seven forty-five?”

“Are you sure about this Draco... your father and the Ball...” I looked down, still worried.

“Stop it Y/n,” He chided. “It will be fine. We’re safe here.” He pressed a soft kiss to my forehead. “Now go get some rest.”

“Goodnight Draco,” I whispered. “And Merry Christmas,”

He eyed me and an amused smirk played at his lips.

“Happy Christmas,” I couldn’t tell if it was a correction or if he had meant it. “Goodnight Y/n,”

Again, we exchanged a glance, three words unspoken between us: I love you.

_____________________________

Draco woke early Christmas morning to Penelope fluttering annoyed at his side, cooing for attention. He had half the idea to shove her off the bed and go back to sleep, but you couldn’t really push a bird anywhere and expect it to stay away.

Groaning and sitting up, he saw that Penelope was sitting upon two parcels, and a letter accompanying each. It dawned on him that it was Christmas morning, not just any morning, and these must be from you.

Taking the one that had your letter attached—marked by your red wax seal—he opened the letter.

Merry Christmas Draco,

We had these sweets (we called them candy) in America, I had my mother send me some, and thought you might want to try them. Sour Patch Kids are my favorite, I’m not one for chocolate, but I did include some for you to try. If not, I’m sure Crabbe or Goyle wouldn’t mind having them.

Mother also sent all of my Latin books to you because you seemed interested in it the other night. Please be careful with them, they’re worth more than you can imagine, they belonged to my great great something grandfather. I will kill you if you ruin them. Though I suppose they are yours now... still.

And, from me... well, I got you a fountain pen. It was my grandfathers, a gift from a Muggle. I know, I know. But, it’s so small, and very useful. You use it like a quill and ink, but it doesn’t splotch or smear and dries instantly. I rewrite all of my class notes with a pen so that they’re neat, and I thought you might appreciate one as well. If you don’t want it, that’s fine too...

I hope you have a merry—happy Christmas morning. I await our dance tonight,

Yours,

Y/n

P.S. I sent a letter to Mrs. Weasley as well and I do believe that she sent you one of her hand knitted sweaters, so don’t be surprised if you get one. It was me. Again, if you don’t want it... it’s okay. I know it’s a lot.

Draco tossed the letter aside and tore open the package that accompanied it. Inside, as you had said, was a few thick books, come colorful plastic wrapped candy, and a long black velvet box.

Taking the box, he discarded the lid and nestled inside was a sleek silver cylindrical object. Removing it, Draco stared at the small thing, wondering what use it had and how had Muggles ever used this when ink and quill worked just fine.

Pulling of the cap as he would an inkwell, a small golden tip greeted him, similar to the ends of his quills, but less fragile. Taking your letter, he leaned it against one of the books you have gifted to him and he wrote his name with the pen.

It glided easily across the page, leaving dark ink in its wake, spelling his name delicately. There was no need to dip it back into an inkwell, and running his finger over it, he discovered that it didn’t smear or stain his fingers.

As much as he wanted to hate it and dismiss it, claiming that nothing smart logical or good came from Muggles, he couldn’t. This pen was something else. It was useful. And he hated it. But he also loved that it was from you and that you had clearly spent a lot of time trying to figure out what would prove worth to him even though it was Muggle.

He set the pen back into the box and placed it on his desk. Having a good idea what was in the other package and who it was from, he begrudgingly opened the letter attached.

Mr. Draco

I was quite surprised when I got a letter from Miss Y/n asking for her to make this for you, but I couldn’t say no to her—she is quite persuasive and truly seems to care about you having a good Christmas this year and who was I to refuse?

Have a Happy Christmas Draco, because someone out there really cares for you.

Mrs. Weasley

Dreading opening the package, knowing exactly what was inside, Draco opened the parcel and found an emerald green and grey striped knitted sweater. There was no sign of the god-awful initial of his first name. No, it was just a normal sweater, as if you knew what to ask for and what he would wear.

A smile touched his lips as he slipped the sweater over his head and picked up the book you sent: Wheelock’s Latin. Flipping through a few pages he could see you steady writing in notes littering the margins and little bookmarks placed in odd places to him.

The room around him started to come alive as the others around him awoke, and began to tear through their presents, but he remained on his bed in his own little bubble, leafing through the books and making his way through the American sweets you had sent—particularly enjoying something called Mike and Ikes.

Because of you, he had one of the best Christmas mornings that he had in a long while. He hoped that you were as well.

___________________________

The excitement of the morning had me awake earlier than normal and I saw that Hermione was already awake. Smiles spread across our faces as we wished another a Merry Christmas then began to open the presents that laid at the foot of our beds.

Hermione had gotten me a book—the same book that I had taken from Malfoy in the library— “so that you can have your own” she explained. Harry and Ron had joined together and gotten me a new set of inkwell and quill and a bound book of parchment in emerald and gold. Mrs. Weasley went above and beyond as normal with snacks and the usual sweater; this year it was a deep red with a forest green trim and gold accents. There was another set of graphite pencils and sketchbook from my mother and new diamond earrings from my grandparents.

On its own, on my bedside table was a small package in silk green wrapping and a letter with a matching green seal. My heart fluttered as I picked it up, knowing that it was from Draco. I hope that he had gotten what I had sent and that he had accepted it.

Opening the letter, it was short and unbearably sweet:

Dearest Y/n,

For you, to remind you that we are more than names and houses.

Happy Christmas. I’ll see you tonight,

Yours,

Draco

Smiling I opened the small box and inside cushioned was a necklace. It held neither an emerald nor ruby, instead a sapphire, the color of the sea, the color of his eyes, the feeling of Animi Amoris. On a delicate silver chain and lain in a diamond encrusted heart the sapphire sat, smiling at me.

“Oh Draco,” I murmured softly.

“What he get you?” Hermione asked, grinning, coming over to my bed in her Weasley sweater.

I showed her the necklace, not letting it leave my hold.

“He really is a sap, isn’t he?” Hermione sighed

“Yeah, he is,” I smiled, putting the necklace on. “He’ll never admit it though.”

Harry and Ron met up with Hermione and me in the common room, and we went down to breakfast together. I didn’t catch sight of Draco at breakfast and I wondered where he was. Deciding not to fret too much I spent the morning in Gryffindor Tower, where everyone was enjoying their presents—as I was, starting to sketch with my mother’s present.

Lunch was just as extravagant and featured so many turkeys I wondered exactly how long it had taken for them all to be cooked. I did see Draco at lunch, but other than a wave and a smile, there was no time for a proper hello in the fervor of the festivities, not that we didn’t try.

Time flew and soon Hermione and I were up in the Gryffindor Tower getting ready for the Ball. I had to help her with her hair and makeup, knowing a bit more in the area.

“He asked you out last night to teach you to dance?” She squeaked. “That is the cutest thing, I honestly don’t believe it,”

I rolled my eyes and pinned her hair into place.

“I think he’s been so worried about keeping up his reputation that he doesn’t know who to be, ya know? He doesn’t have the parents we do... or the friends. He’s just...” I trailed off.

“I understand, it’s just odd.” Hermione smiled.

“Yeah, but he’s still himself... just good.” I placed the final pin. “There, that should stay for the rest of... well forever.” I grinned. “No one will know it’s you Cinderella,” I teased.

“Oh, and who does that make you?

“Your fairy godmother of course,” I mocked a bow

“I’m pretty sure that makes you Belle and you’re living Beuaty and the Beast,” She pointed out mischievously.

I laughed and started to work on her makeup. She then helped me curl my hair and place it into a plaited bun. It was great fun. I teased her about Krum, and she teased me right back about Draco. We finally had time to sit and talk without anyone prying and without a deadline.

The time came and we both got into our dresses, doing finishing touches. Hermione held herself higher as we looked in the mirror, her periwinkle dress playing off of my crimson red one. Draco’s necklace hung at the hollow of my chest.

We both left the fray a bit early, I had to meet Draco and she had to meet Krum. Just as he had promised, Draco met me outside the Common Room, looking nervous and very handsome. His suit was well tailored, the stark black and white playing off another.

“Wow,” He breathed out, making me look down, blushing the color of my dress.

“My mother does have a dramatic flair, doesn’t she?” I asked, running my fingers through the layers of tulle and speckled diamonds that danced in the candlelight.

“I don’t think she has anything to do with how breathtaking you look right now,” Draco offered his hand.

I took it, taking careful graceful steps in the heels that my mother also sent me.

“You look quite handsome as well,” I complimented. “Quite a change from school uniforms is it not?”

“One that I rather enjoy,” He smiled as I held onto him, descending the stairs toward the Great Hall entrance.

Everyone in the hall stopped with the sight of us, gawking. A hush fell over the crowd as we entered the mass of students, all dressed for the occasion, all gaping—or glaring—at the two of us. I tried to not let it bother me, but I couldn’t quite let it go.

“People are staring,” I whispered.

“Y/n I’m sure you’ve seen yourself in a mirror, you are more than worth staring at.”

I looked down, suddenly very focused on not tripping. When the Great Hall doors were opened, I caught sight of Harry and Ron with their dates, the Patil twins, and gave him a small wave as we were ushered out into the lawn.

It was captivating, the sight of it all. I leaned against Draco, marveling at the fairy lights and enchantment of it all. The walls of the Hall had all been covered in sparkling silver frost, with hundreds of garlands of mistletoe and ivy crossing the starry black ceiling. The House tables had vanished; instead, there were about a hundred smaller, lantern-lit ones, each seating about a dozen people.

“Like a fairy tale,” I whispered, letting my eyes wander.

“Shall we then,” Draco asked, leading me to one of the front tables where my—our friends were sitting.

“If he’s the Slytherin Prince then no doubt tonight you’re the Gryffindor Princess,” Fred muttered in my ear.

I let out a small laugh and looked to Draco, who raised an eyebrow in question, but I shrugged and shook my head, taking his hand in mine. With the Triwizard champions having sat and Dumbledore beginning the feast, the Hall was filled with talking and laughter and merriment.

It was comforting, watching it all. Draco fit in with the crowed around us and Hermione and Viktor were having what seemed like the best time at one of the head tables. I was happy for her; she finally was seen on the outside who she was on the inside.

Dinner had come and passed and with a wave of his wand, Dumbledore transformed the Great Hall into a dance floor. Anxiety fluttered in my chest at the thought that I would have to dance in front of people soon.

“I can hear you worrying,” Draco murmured softly, as he stood behind me his hands at my waist.

“I have to dance,” I fretted. “I’m going barefoot, I hope you know that,”

He chuckled and nodded, whether in acknowledgement or permission, I wasn’t sure. Soon other couples began to join the champions. I broke from Draco’s hold and discarded my heels under a nearby table. When I went back, I couldn’t find Draco. My eyes scanned the crowd until I felt a hand on my shoulder.

Relaxing I turned and saw gentle blue eyes.

“May I have this dance?” Draco bowed slightly, offering his hand out again.

“You may,” I grinned and took it as he led me to the dance floor.

“I won’t let you fall,” He promised in a soft voice as we fell into a familiar pattern, learned only the night before.

The world faded around us as he guided me on the dance floor. My eyes never left his and a smile never left either of our faces. It was our own little world as we waltzed across the floor.

The moment held another sort of magic, one where we didn’t have to do anything but fall into step with another and dance upon the notes left by the music around us.

“Ready?” He whispered and I nodded.

Gently, as the music ended, he dipped me, father than before, but I wasn’t afraid.

He wasn’t going to let me fall.

Part 12?

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ketchup-monthly · 3 years

Text

Sanders Sides D&D 1

imagine virgil just cursing janus while out of combat, and theres one time where they end up going into a combat scenario while hes still cursed

but the thing with the curse is that if the creature dies while cursed, the warlock gains temporary hit points

so if cursed janus were to die, virgil would gain temp hp

Patton: omg, we need to save Janus Virgil, who cursed him yesterday: how about we let him die, then resurrect him later, yeah?

(roman and remus) lol they would totally just run into each other and instantly just hate

everyone else (except maybe patton) would figure out that theyre brothers but they would just deny it until their father (who maybe they were looking for) spelled it out for them

concept: they're an aasimar and tiefling both on a quest to find their long lost brother, but their both expecting their sibling to be the same race as them. they don't get along for both personality reasons and because, you know, aasimar and tiefling, but they're both in the party anyway

I just realized that as a changeling Janus can just change his height at will

Like to make a point to the twins when theyre acting up, he can change to be like 7 foot (still a medium creature tho)

But like. Subtly adjusting his height so much that no one notices until hes suddenly as tall as patton

"Im a growing boy" (true but also false)

tricking people by slowly growing/shrinking on them but trying to convince them it's the other way around

"dude, weren't you shorter a few minutes ago?" "i have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. are you feeling alright?"

"Youre getting taller" "No youre just getting shorter"

he gets like a full six inches on whoever he's pranking before they start really panicking

Except Virgil, who panics immediately

virgil also really notices bc in normal form, janus is only an inch shorter than him

despite being smart, Logan usually doesnt notice at all until Janus has gotten at least 4 inches taller, and then he knows whats going on

Virgil, realizing his sight line for Janus is slightly off: narrows eyes

roman takes a while to notice and he panics as well. remus thinks its hilarious. patton notices once Janus is taller than him (after 4 or 5 inches)

oh! because of the type of tiefling he is, Remus knows the vicious mockery cantrip

the thing is though, he would end up using it on the rest of his party too (everyone takes psychic damage on a failed wis save)

he would purposefully use it on his party members

as if he were a bard. he would try to inspire them but would instead harm them

remus is a barbarian who thinks himself a bard

he is a harbinger of chaos, we stan

he'd make your dad jokes at roman lmaoooo

not knowing hes talking shit about his own dad

he'd keep making them after they find out their siblings, probably tho

Roman: we have the same dad! Remus: >:)

im thinking about making romans name actually romulus but he goes by roman

bc romulus and remus

and bc roman seems to tame for a noble

okay so their dad is named Mars or some derivative of Mars, and their moms are Rhea and Silvia. Remus was in part raised by a beasthide shifter (the wolf kind) named Lupe (bc i need feral child remus)

probably romans mom was an aasimar and remus's mom was a tiefling (and while their dad was human, they ended up being an aasimar and a tiefling, respectively, bc dominant genes)

also the boys have inverted hair and eye colors

remus has dark hair with a white streak and red eyes, roman has white hair with smaller dark streaks all around and green eyes

as a drow, Virgil has light purple skin, white and purple hair, and eyes that have black instead of white and purple irises

Remus: hey, man, i need a heal Roman: no. go bother Patton Remus: Pat's out of heals Roman: Remus: dude, pls Roman: you are covered in muck and i don't even like you. no. no way Remus: Roman: Remus: please, brother Roman: ..........fine

roman heals him for 1hp

Roman: take a nap

what would be funny is if remus called roman his brother long before they knew they had the same dad but he did it to annoy him bc he knew roman hated it when he did it

Remus: hello, brother Roman: we're not brothers Remus: we're brothers-in-arms, aren't we? Roman: that's not the same! Remus: eh, close enough

Roman at Remus is the line from trail to oregon thats like "why am i even trying to help you, i hate you"

roman also just straight up refuses to heal janus, even when pat is out of spell slots

yeeee i have Patton as a druid but its just because i want his wild shape to be a giant frog (also druids are healers and have access to both cure wounds and healing word)

well in the first one, roman and remus are looking for their dad/the brother their mothers said they have

janus wanted to fuck shit up (not really, he was bored and annoying virgil is fun. and remus needed a babysitter)

(logan maybe knew roman previously and was sent as his babysitter)

romans got no brain cells. hes a noble on a quest. of course someone smart would be sent to keep him from dying

logan might work with Jan

(Bro, big dramatic reveal x chapters in, Jan knew Remus and romans father)

janus (handshake emoji) logan tired of keeping the twins from dying

i was thinking he was chosen by romans mom originally as like a "logan you are the only smart one please keep him from doing something stupid"

as a courtier, Janus would have known Roman and by extension Logan

so if hes really the one orchestrating the reason the main party got together, then (eyes)

virgil was a street rat, thats his background, so he likely knew at least of roman, janus, and logan. pat and remus are both wanderers of sorts, so that may be Pats connection to the main 4

okay but i had remus as an outlander, so like. maybe he was but then his mom took him away?

i had him as like a wild man child whose mom was like "hey you have a brother" and remus was like "sweet imma find him"

they were completely separate. romans mom was the daughter of a noble, so he was raised as a noble. remus's mom was either the daughter of a tribal chief or the chief herself, so he was raised like that. they had no idea that they had a brother. the moms likely knew, or they were told somehow by the dad, but they were completely separate

Mom: remus you have a half brother Remus: okay Mom: thats it? you're not shocked? Remus: mom do you think he'd like my bug collection?

(the answer is no, Roman does not like the bug collection)

Patton also does not like the bug collection

virgil and logan love it, and janus is used to it

so changeling janus, right? if he orchestrated it all, then he could have been in different forms in the court and in the tribal village

so like he knew basically everyone (but Pat, who Remus met and then kept)

Remus, to patton: I like your funny words, magic man

Remus, upon meeting Pat: so you like frogs Patton: ....yes? Remus: cool i like them too. they taste slimy. Patton: ??????? Remus: Patton: are you okay? Remus: nope! Patton: ....okay... Remus: wanna see my bug collection?

Remus, setting himself on fire: ahhahaaha nothing can hurt me Janus, quick to douse him in water: resistance is not the same as immunity!!!

#ss d&d 1

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skies-diary · 3 years

Text

The more I think about it, the more I think we should stop sending our children to school past grade 5.

More under the cut. TW for suicide mention, mental illness, gun violence mention, and assault mention.

Of course education is important, but schools dont really educate; not anymore. At least, "higher learning" like middle / high school and college don't. I can think of only two classes in grades 6-12 that I've ever used in my day to day life, and those were sex ed (which was comprehensive for me, but which many schools in the US arent even allowed to have on the syllabus) and home economics. The rest were really just full of meaningless facts that I was forced to memorize and that I likely won't remember by ten years after graduation.

It's not that I think people should be uneducated. It's that as early as 100 years ago, people wouldn't send children to school before they were six years old, and now preschools start enrollment at six weeks old. Its that I learned very little in my teenage years that I would ever use in my adult life. Its that school contributed to my depression and anxiety that started at age 11 when I was in sixth grade, and that I'm still struggling with today.

More than anything else, though, while elementary school taught to read and write and made learning a part of life, sixth grade and up made me hate learning. It taught me that learning is a chore to finish and be done with so you can do "fun things". It taught me that if you can't get something right on the first try, you're bad at it and theres no point trying. More than trying to get me ready to choose my own path in life, school was focused on three things; fidelity to country, unconditional respect and obedience to authority, and capitalism training.

Fidelity to country: Every single day started with the pledge of allegiance. Some kids didnt stand for it, and I wish I'd been one of them. On veterans day my senior year, our first hour teacher told the class that any students that didnt stand for the pledge that day would be sent to the office for "disciplinary action". After the pledge, the whole class was escorted down the hall to the room of a teacher who was also a veteran, and we all had to stand in a line to shake his hand and thank him for his service. At age 17, I didn't think that was too strange. At age 23, having lived through Trump's presidency and seen what nationalism and extremism looks like more clearly, I find it much more off-putting than before.

Unconditional respect for authority: For me, this really started in second grade. After first grade, I was transferred to a new school which was poorly managed. The school was understaffed and overcrowded, classrooms were wildly out of ratio and teachers were overwhelmed. My brother, in kindergarten, hardly knew how to spell his name by the end of the year, and that's only because he had extra-curricular support.

The school avoided any and all accountability by having a policy of "the teacher is always right", therefore placing all responsibility on the students for any learning difficulties they encountered. The school board thankfully let my siblings and I transfer to a more competent and less crowded school after I was physically assulted by another student (a boy from another class who tried to suffocate me), and my parents threatened a lawsuit against the district.

The expectation for unfailing respect was amplified in high and middle school, from the constant police presence in schools to the draconian dress code regulations to teachers who treated their profession like a power trip. I did have a lot of good teachers, but others acted like being a teacher gave them license to act like a drill sergeant.

Capitalism training: this is very different than career training. Career training would have taught us marketable, useful skills. Rather, my school district got us ready for the workforce by having us sit at a desk for eight hours a day, delegating us tasks to be completed in a set amount of time, or we'd have life-altering repercussions. We were young adults who had little to no say in how we spent our day to day lives. I feel like these things contributed a lot to spending my teenaged years feeling like I had no direction in life; a feeling that persists in adulthood and has caused me untold distress, from difficulty in career choice to suicidal ideation.

As a teen, I didn't really understand the point of it all. However, it seems fairly obvious as an adult. School was training for corporate life. Modern American schools are turning out kids who have very few life skills, who are primed to sit at a desk for 8 hours, completing largely meaningless tasks and putting up with bullshit from authority figures whom they know better than to question.

In my personal experience, everything past grade 5 had nothing to do with education; rather, it was a nearly decade-long indoctrination ritual to prepare children to take their place as an employee and "contribute to society" under Late Stage Capitalism. It's framed as a necessary part of life, but the truth is that historically, parents, extended family and community were the forces that educated children. They taught them the life skills useful to their time and culture. Today, for example, technological literacy is needed, but a Native American child in 1500 would have learned how to hunt, how to mend, and how to build shelter. A child in 4000 BC Egypt would have likely learned to grown plants in the Nile Delta and care for farm animals.

Learning is a part of life. Human brains are supercomputers that can recognize patterns like nothing else in the world. No teacher has to sit down a typically developing child and teach them to speak; they learn through daily life. Humans didn't learn to make fire in lecture hall. We're naturally curious and eager to learn as children, but after going through school, very few adults retain this enthusiasm.

I used to be able to read three novels in an afternoon. Now I struggle to finish a chapter. This shift did not come about until age 11, the same year I entered middle school.

Children go to school now because there is rarely any other choice. In most American families, both parents work, and if a child is in a single-parent household, it's even less likely they have a stay-at-home parent. This symptom of Late Stage Capitalism (parental absense) causes children to grow into adults indoctrinated into the system, which is causatious of Late Stage Capitalism. It's a cycle that can be hard to break.

But we have to do something. Education reform, finding a way to homeschool / educate through community, or even just stop having kids. I haven't had any children yet because I dont want to raise my babies to be corporate slaves for the Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk of their generation.

Because as it stands right now, America's schoolchildren that aren't gunned down by angry white men are coming out the other side of graduation depressed, directionless, and with one of the highest suicide rates (second leading cause of death for Gen Z) in human history.

What American schools are doing isn't just not working, it's purposefully malicious. We need to change.

#tw suicice #tw gun mention #tw mental illness #tw assault #late stage capitalism #capitalism #america #american school system #school reform #american education #my posts

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hermits-that-craft · 4 years

Text

Chapter 47 - Arch 2 - Fulfillment

AO3:https://archiveofourown.org/works/23509375/chapters/62156269 TW - Torture, Death, Confusing Magic, Body Horror, False Hope, Fighting, Stab Wounds, Blood, Abandonment, Betrayal

They sit in a room together, Etho's sheets spread out in front of him. It's been a while, and though worry plagues the back of their minds, worry for both Scar and the people that they know are captured, but Etho, Builder and Protector work through it. Protector mumbles idly to herself, occasionally looking at Builder with a pained face, as though she's trying to remember him before he dies. Etho isn't sure of what this prophecy entails, or what it really says, but he doesn't know if they are worth breaking the siblings up for. He shrugs off the concern as Rose walks into the room with Cub, carrying more iron. Etho is glad that they had already measured Iskall's arm, the man has been through enough and Etho doesn't know if he'll stay here if he saw what they were doing with the arm.

Rose and Protector glare at each other for a moment as Cub puts the iron down, and Cub pulls a face, meeting Etho's eyes. They both smile uncomfortably as Builder looks up, taking the iron from where Cub put it. The watcher begins to hammer it into shape, ignoring the silent argument between the wives.

"I am very uncomfortable with the energy in this room." Etho says to Cub as the two players move to sit with each other.

"Tori this is madness, the prophecy doesn't need to happen so soon. Some more time Tori." Rose pleads.

"You know, this argument would be easier to mediate if we knew what the prophecy was and also what you guys are saying." Etho calls to the women, who both sigh, glaring at the newly undead.

"Tori- Protector believes that she should-"

"Rose isn't willing to lose people for the sake of the universe." Protector sighs. "I don't blame her, it's clear that someone will die in the-"

"Could you tell us the prophecy?"

"'A watcher, of original descent, will fall to the Night protecting the universe'." Builder says, stand up from where he sat. The metal arm in his hand glows slightly, and Etho smiles, taking it from him. "That's the prophecy. Rose is worried that Protector will be the one to die."

"Of course I'm worried that she'll die, I'm pregnant!" Rose mumbles to herself, though the room is so quiet that everyone hears it. Cub gasps loudly, and Etho struggles to keep hold of the prosthetic arm. Builder's face goes slightly pale, his eyes wide, and Protector's face goes soft, lovingly staring at her wife. "I don't want them to grow up without their other mother."

"How does that even work, aren't you both-"

"Magic Etho. Anyways that doesn't mean that Aunt Protector will die, it could be Uncle Builder, it doesn't even say that either of them will die! Night could magic them asleep, or-"

"Can we go back to how Rose is pregnant?" Etho asks. "You shouldn't be here, you could get seriously hurt! And if the baby is made via magic, couldn't you have planned it better?"

"I'm three months along, Etho." Rose smiles sadly. "We thought that we would be safe."

"Why would you come here if you knew?" Builder asks, though his eyes are filled with wonder.

"I knew that Protector would speed the prophecy up. I thought that maybe I could stop her from-"

She's cut off, not by a scream or someone speaking, but by a buzz. Everyone's communicators go off, and dread fills the room. A scream or a shout would not be as troubling, as fear inducing as the communicator going off. A death message? Etho doesn't want to know, but his hand grasps the communicator anyways.

WatcherBuilder: NIGHT. YOU. ME. WE'RE ENDING THIS. WatcherBuilder: MEET ME WHERE YOU AND ISKALL FOUGHT. NO STARS. NO HERMITS. WatcherBuilder: Just us two. Please. TheNight: Give me two hours. I'll be there.

"Builder what the fuck?" Protector growls out, and Etho snaps his head up, looking at Cub with confusion in his eyes.

"You aren't going to be the watcher to fall to Night. You're going to be a mother. I'll do it, Protector. Just, tell them that their uncle loves them, okay?" Builder's eyes have tears in them, and False and Cleo run into the room, Iskall close behind them. The two girls have swords out, god armour on and anger painted onto their faces. Iskall looks upset, scared and furious, though Etho can't tell which of those emotions was the one that made him run into the doorframe.

"You're going after Night without us?" False's voice sounds wreaked, anger and fury tearing at her vocal chords. "Why. Why won't you take us?"

"Because you're going to use this as a chance to break the people who Night captured out."

---

Grian rests his head against Xisuma's shoulder, his breathing deep. Wels watches the door as Xisuma checks them both for wounds, any sign of serious discomfort. It doesn't matter, really, Xisuma has no supplies to make either of them feel better, but its something to do, and it's the thought that counts, right?

Footsteps echo up the halls and Xisuma holds his breath, a small prayer flittering across his mind. He hopes, pray with all his might that the feet continue to go down the hall, to where they heard Ren. Guilt tears at away at the thought, but Xisuma doesn't know how long he can last if someone hurts Wels and Grian again. He doesn't know if he would be able to fight against Admin if Night comes in.

The footsteps stop and Xisuma gently wakes Grian, knowing that the small avian would hate to be woken by screams. Grian yawns and rubs his eyes as the door opens, Night's glowing eyes and smile appearing in the doorframe. Grian freezes and Wels backs towards Xisuma subconsciously, acting on instinct rather than reason. Xisuma holds his breath, ready to fight whatever they say if it means that he'll protect Grian and Wels.

"Oh calm down, I'm not going to help you. I have a meeting to be at." Night's voice is airy, happy and the captured men freeze, worry cast over their faces. Night calling torture help isn't unusual in and of itself, but Night just wanting to talk is concerning. A meeting, however? Another death, a new hermit joining them in this unending nightmare. It isn't fair. "Grian, how would you rate your father's fighting skills?"

Grian face goes paper white, horror painting his face a terrifying shade of fear. Night laughs as Grian tries to save face for his father, waving a hand at him.

"Don't bother, I know my brother-"

"Brother?" Wels gasps, looking at Grian. Xisuma, not for the first time, can't find enough air in the room, even though the air is thicker in the overworld. Grian's eyes flash, the purple turning brighter, a flash of magic that Xisuma recognises but Wels clearly doesn't.

"Don't call him that." Grian mumbles.

"Don't call him what? My brother? Oh please, are you a fool? That's what he is. He is my brother, he doesn't have a say in his lineage."

"You emancipated yourself. You don't get to claim us as family. You left." Grian mutters accusingly, though it's obvious that he isn't mad about Night leaving. No, it feels as though he is mad about something else, though Xisuma can see the thinly veiled fear in his eyes.

Night can see it as well.

"What, scared that I'll kill your other set of parents?" Night taunts and Grian freezes. "Oh, you didn't know? Your home planet wasn't destroyed because of fate or any of that 'it was just their time' bullshit Builder sold you. Your birth father would have been able to save your planet. I destroyed it. I watched as your mother screamed to protect you and your siblings. I watched as your father opened that portal that sent you to the world hub. I'm the one who tore off his wings."

"Shut up." Wels yells, fury in his eyes and Xisuma knows that Night hit a nerve. "How could you? How dare you take another's wings?"

"Wingless one, do keep your mouth shut, you're only useful serving others." Night's smile glows brighter. "I have to go, I can't be late for my meeting after all, but I'll bring your father's head to you, Xelqua."

Night turns, their laughter making Xisuma's ears bleed. Grian's breathing doesn't calm, not even after Night has left, and Xisuma holds onto Grian's hand. Wels send him a worried look, removing himself from Xisuma's other side to inch his way towards Grian. The two men wait as Grian calms himself down, his breathing deepening as the remaining feathers on his wings flatten.

"Grian, if you were adopted by Night's family, could you know who Night's sons are, where they are?" Wels asks. Xisuma shoots him a glare, though theres nothing really making it stick. "I mean, if Void took their kids away, maybe your parents know?"

"How would Grian know who they are, let alone where they-"

"I know." Grian's voice is quiet, shaky and fragile. He stares at the floor. "I've known for a while, about halfway through season six, in fact. I had to hide it from Bird because-"

"They're hermits?" Xisuma's eyes widen as he realises it. "Oh Void, who has a twin brother in the hermits."

Wels frowns for a moment, mumbling to himself before his eyes widen as well. Wels shoots a look at Grian, who grimaces before nodding towards Xisuma.

"I can't for the life of me remember-"

"Xisuma, who is Evil X?"

"Oh! He's my twin." Xisuma cuts himself off, his eyes wider than dinner plates. "Oh. Oh it's me."

"I'm so sorry."

---

"Can I ask you something, Bdubs?" Tango's voice is full of concern and they walk towards the armoury. Bdubs is shaking slightly, from the cold or fear.

"Of course, shoot."

"Why are you going back?"

Bdubs stops, then shrugs, then moves again, but he doesn't say anything, the shaking just gets worse. Impulse looks at Tango worriedly, and they share a nervous glance. It's good in theory - Bdubs knows where Night's base is. He knows the layout enough to get them in. Still, he could draw a map or even just guide them through the base by using the communicators.

"You need a guide." He mumbles after a while. "I need to," He pauses, the words dying in his throat, and once again Impulse sends a worried look to Tango. "I need to know if Wels is alive."

Tango and Impulse exchange a glance, Tango sucking in a breath. Bdubs ignores them, pulling open a chest laden with swords and god armour. Tango sends him a small smile as he puts the chest plate in his inventory. Impulse hums to himself, pulling the diamond pants on, checking the enchantments on it as he does so. Tango looks for a correct sized helmet.

"I guess we're going on an adventure." Impulse mumbles to himself. "Or a quest? Tango, would this be an adventure or a quest?"

"A quest I think. I mean, an adventure is unplanned right? So it's a quest."

"It's a quest, cause a quest has an end goal. Our end goal is getting our friends back." Bdubs smiles as he suggests it.

"But we don't really have a plan?"

"Tell False that." Tango smirks at Impulse.

"Cleo too. The girls have been planning a rescue since Builder got here."

"Oh! I bet that Scar is in kahoots with them, and that's why he's not here. Too dangerous for him to be here with King Silas too." Bdubs suggests happily, and false hope wraps around the men.

The three hermits leave the armoury, decked out in more armour than they care to admit. Cleo, False and Evil Xisuma wait for them at the end of the hall, and Tango wonders Evil Xisuma feels strange as he is slotted into the role that Xisuma usually fills. He looks uncomfortable, though, as Cleo absentmindedly calls him 'Xisuma' and Keralis calls him 'Shiswammy'.

"Hey Evil X!" Tango calls. "You doing alright? We'll have your brother back in no time."

"Promise?" Evil Xisuma's voice is quiet, scared and Cleo and Keralis look shocked.

"Of course, Ex." False says, her hand over her heart. "We'll bring him back. We'll bring as many back as we can."

It's a hard promise, one that Tango isn't sure that they can keep, and from the look on Impulse's face its clear he is also doubting their abilities. But they'll try, the group has to try. It's not fair on the hermits if they don't try. It's not fair on anyone if they don't try. They have to try their hardest - if they don't who will? Who will save the others?

No more words are spoken, and Keralis pulls Bdubs into a tight hug. Zedaph comes into the room as well, and he silently begs Tango and Impulse to come back. To stay safe, to fight hard. They promise him that they'll try, and tears spring in Tango's eyes and he's pulled into a hug. He doesn't want to leave, not the embrace that reminds him of home.

Of what they have to save.

Reluctantly, Tango pulls himself out of the hug, Impulse following suit. Cleo gives Joe a quick hug and False hugs Xb for a second. TFC escorts them to the nether portal, the worry etches into his face. It's clear that he doesn't expect this mission, this quest, to succeed.

"No one will blame you guys if you come back without anyone." TFC says, his hand on False's shoulder. "You can't blame yourselves for it either. Your safety is more important. We won't blame you if you can't save everyone."

"We're going to get everyone." False swears to TFC, and the old man sighs, his hand dropping from her shoulders.

"Just take care of yourselves." TFC sighs. "Please."

False relaxes slightly, smiling weakly at him.

"Of course." False says, the rage melting from her eyes. "We'll take care. You have to as well, though."

"When the war reaches my doorstep I'll be down in my mines." TFC smirks. "I don't fear this Night character, I've met worse. Go fight."

The walk through the portal to the nether roof, Impulse guiding them to a hole he put into the bedrock. The jump down the hole, Cleo grumbling to herself about how much she hates the nether when a ghast spawns, right in front of Impulse. Cleo screams and False pulls out her sword, but before Bdubs and Tango can drag Impulse away from the ghast the hermit puts his hand out. The ghast pushes its head against Impulse's hand and twists slightly, rubbing itself against Impulse. The redstoner turns, smiling at the group.

"She offered to fly us to Night's portal." He says, grinning. "As long as you put your swords away."

"Since when could you talk to ghasts?"

"Since always? If you bothered to ask you'd know this - Tango you were raised with me put your sword away!"

The group reluctantly puts their swords in their inventory, Impulse already on top of the giant ghast. He sits comfortably, making noises that Tango isn't quite sure a human could make, and the ghast responds, lowering its-herself down to their level. They hop on and the ghast flies them around, quickly flying through areas that none of the hermits recognise. It's a maze, a labyrinth of tunnels and pockets and Tango watches Impulse with worry. Yes, he knew that Impulse is as much a netherborn as he is, but he didn't realise that Impulse had a connection to the ghasts. He doesn't blame the man for not telling him, netherborn with connection to creatures - when Tango revealed that he himself can talk to blazes the two men had to flee their home in the nether as they were hunted, even though Tango had only revealed it to people in their village. Those who can talk to mobs are prizes, though it's clear to Tango that Impulse speaking to ghasts is one of the reasons they survived for so long before Xisuma found them. Hindsight is twenty twenty and all that.

The ghast lands, letting them off at a small ledge before she talks to Impulse again. It seems as though they are having a rather important conversation, Impulse's forehead furrowed in concern.

"She says the portal is this way, but she can't bring us any closer. The ghasts have seen Night leave this area before. With Stress."

"We'll get her back, False." Cleo says, taking False's hand into her own.

"We don't have much of a choice in that matter." Impulse smiles tiredly, leading them further into the nether rack alcove.

---

The two original creations land, standing opposite from each other. Clouds cover the sky, blocking out the sun and it's light as Night's mask glows. Their brother stands, a sword resting on his hip. He can't use it, he never learnt how to. But the threat still stands. Both sides have a goal, both players know how to win the game. Neither wants to fall to the other. A game of chess is to capture the opposing side's king, but what happens when the kings are the last piece on the board? A careful strategy has to be implemented, but does either side know how to plan? The siblings had not planned for this, they do not know what to do in this scenario. Only their sister had a plan for this, but Builder hid her away. There are stains in the dirt that rain has not washed away, copper against the vibrant green. Blood stains.

"Did he die?" Night asks, knowing that the only other watching is one on their side.

"No." Builder replies evenly. "He has a new arm now. Built by myself."

"When did you learn redstone?" Night's voice is light, an older sibling meeting the younger after a year away. Builder looks uncomfortably around, as though he doesn't want to answer - doesn't know how. "Don't tell me that you still don't know redstone."

"I had help." Builder doesn't lie, but it isn't the full truth.

"Protector? Or a player?"

"Silas." Builder lies.

"Silas," Night laughs. "You trust that old goat? Your loss. He works for whoever offers him the most power."

"He works for Void."

"He will meet Amari on their orders." Night doesn't threaten the Vex King, but threatens Builder. Night offers more power, Builder knows that.

Silas knows that.

"How is Amari, by the way?" Night asks, walking towards their brother. "She still the Queen of the Underworld?"

"How would I know, she rarely makes the trip between life and death." Builder rolls his eyes.

"Pity, you really should know the person you will stay with."

"Are you threatening me?" Builder asks, a frown on his face. "Night, you can't be serious about this. Come back home, Void misses you."

"Don't tell me that you've fallen for their lies as well." Night sounds happy, glee and disgust mixing together. "Xelqua would be so disappointed."

"What have you done to him?" Builder growls. "Leave him out of this!"

"Your son joined my side willingly." Night smiles. "I didn't do anything to him, I just showed him what would happen to him if he stayed with you."

"Night, let him go."

"No, you'll have to take him from me. I'll make sure he personally escorts you down to Amari's doorstep. Unless..."

"Unless?" Builder sounds so hopeful, practically filled with false hopes and pretenses.

"Unless you join my side. Think about it, Builder. You can have your son back. Void cares not for us, only for Protector." Night smiles. "Join us, free yourself."

---

Ren shakes, leaning against Doc. The wither effect hasn't left either of them, Princess leaving them in a daze. It's clear that it was on purpose, the pain not meant to subside until one of them breaks, but Ren doesn't know who will break first. Probably himself, though Doc did break the muzzle. Ren doesn't understand it, who Princess is, why she's possessing Stress.

At least its quiet now.

"What are you going to do when we get out?" Not if. When. Doc still has hope.

"I'll stay on loser island with Pam." Ren mumbles. "I can't expand upwards anymore, so I'll hire the boomers to blow up the downstairs part. How about you, what will you do if we escape?"

"When." Doc corrects him absentmindedly. "When we escape, I'll build more rooms in my half of the mansion. Maybe I'll expand on the pink, any colour is better then purple and black at the moment, so pink and white isn't that bad."

Ren and Doc both laugh, tired and unapologetic. It's the only sound that they can hear, laughter and there's no more fear, not now. Not here, together. It's better, quieter, safer here, without anyone else.

An explosion in the distance stuns them into silence. Yells, shouts, anger mixes and the fear is back. The room feels darker, though the light level doesn't change. Something is terribly wrong and neither hermit can tell why.

Impulse. They can hear Impulse's voice, too far away from them to make out words but too close to not hear them if they scream.

"Impulse!" Ren screams, standing up. Doc stays seated, chained against the wall. "Impulse, we're here!"

"Impulse!" Doc yells, and Ren walks towards the door.

"IMPULSE!" Ren screams.

Silence.

Nobody came.

---

"Get them outta here!" Impulse yells, Tango and Bdubs supporting Xisuma as Grian and Wels shake nervously in the corner. They look terrible, white dress shirts in tatters with blood and dirt staining them. A large bruise has bloomed against Grian's cheek and Wels keeps spitting out blood. Cleo knocks back Beef, trying to protect the team. Impulse quickly turns to False as she fights off Mumbo, lending her a hand. "Tango, Bdubs, get them the nether out of here!"

"Mumbo this isn't you!" False says, trying to snap him out of it. "C'mon, Mumbo please."

"We need to get out of here!" Cleo yells, her sword going through Beef's chest. Beef despawns, a puff of smoke is the only thing left of him. Cleo blocks the swing from Mumbo's sword, kicking out his feet as False kills the man. The two women let out shaky breaths, False giving Cleo a large grin.

"Well, Mumbo hasn't really improved fighting," False laughs breathlessly, holding her side. "So we'll probably be fine."

"Yeah, let's get home." Cleo agrees, sticking her tongue out. They walk towards the door, Impulse waiting for Grian and Wels as Tango, Bdubs and Xisuma make their way out of the room, Xisuma wincing every time he steps, his leg bent at an angle Impulse knows isn't natural.

Grian and Wels watch Impulse with wide eyes, as though they don't know if they're allowed to follow. As though their waiting for permission, or perhaps orders, to follow the group. Impulse's heart breaks, though he doesn't let it hurt for much longer. He has to get them out, and if orders make them follow, then orders will work. He can break the conditioning later.

"Grian, Wels, you're coming with us." Impulse orders, trying to put as much seriousness into his voice. Wels hesitates, fear written across his face, and Impulse winces as he steps in front of Grian as though it's second nature. Grian begins to breath faster, but he steps forward, terror in his eyes. Guilt eats at Impulse, but he watches them as the walk out the door, Wels standing close to Grian's side.

The group makes their way around the building, trying to find Doc and Ren before the two men are lost, though considering how Grian and Wels broke free they wouldn't be lost forever. Impulse wonders, in a brief moment of foolishness, what it would take to free the rest of the hermits. Grian screams as Beef shoots his side, collapsing to the ground with his hands protectively covering his head. As though this has happened a million times.

It probably has.

Impulse moves in front of Wels and Grian, protecting them from the mind controlled man, their friend. Beef doesn't wear one of the masks that Grian and Mumbo sported when they left to kill Scar, but Impulse finds himself wishing that the man did. The masks would hide the disgust written on Beef's face, they'd hide the emptiness in his eyes.

In the distance, Ren screams for him. Impulse can’t get to him. The portal rests behind the door that Cleo stands in front of. Impulse has to stall, to make sure everyone else gets out. He won’t let False make the self sacrifice. He’ll break his promise to Zedaph, but that’s alright. Because at the end of the day, Tango will be back with Zedaph.

“Beef, it’s us.” Impulse says quietly, his hands raised.

“He can’t hear you.” Silas’ voice booms through the room, and Impulse’s heart sinks as tears slip down Wels’ face. There’s a traitor in their midst, and it isn’t a hermit. Is Silas the only traitor? What about Builder, about Protector? Impulse doubts that Rose would betray them, but can any of them trust her?

“Your highness,” False growls, “may I ask you what the fuck you are doing here?”

“Night has offered me something I can’t refuse.” Silas grins wickedly. “I want the mage back, I want to keep my power. Night will win this war against Void, and I intend on maintaining my status.”

Impulse fires at Silas, ready to fight him. Ready to serve as a distraction so the others can get out. Ren and Doc are still screaming as Impulse swings his sword, cutting the Vex King. False joins the fight as Cleo begins to usher the group towards the portal. Beef falls onto False’s sword as Bdubs and Tango get Xisuma out. Impulse is thrown across the room by Silas’ magic as Wels carries Grian through the portal. False screams as Mumbo stabs her. Cleo runs through the portal, and Silas makes his way to it.

Impulse, not knowing what else to do, throws a water bucket over the portal. He’s trapped False here, but the others won’t come back.

They’re safe.

---

“He’ll be alright, won’t he?” Protector asks her wife quietly. “I mean, Night wouldn’t hurt Builder. He always was Night’s favourite sibling.”

“Tori,” Rose sighs.

“And Night wouldn’t kill him, right?”

“Tori.”

“I’m sure he’s fine. He doesn’t need to fulfil the prophecy I mean-”

“Tori I love you but for the sake of my sanity please shut up.” Rose sighs, her wings fluttering as they land near the clearing. Protector quickly disguises her watcher wings, walking over to the tree line. “We’ll be caught if you keep this up.”

“You two are the worst people to try and sneak around I’ve ever met.” Night says, their voice echoing around the clearing. Protector freezes, taking Rose’s hand as the wives step into the clearing. Builder looks alright - he isn’t physically hurt from what they can see, at least.

“How did you see us?” Rose asks.

“You have bright red hair, Protector’s hair is bright blue. You stand out against the trees.” Night takes off their mask, placing it on their belt. Their skin is purple, their eyes glowing white. They frown, stepping towards Rose with a confused look in their eyes. Builder looks away, biting back a laugh. “Do you know that you’re pregnant?”

“No, I had no clue.” Rose lies, a deadpan expression on her face. “That’s why I’m here with my wife, to see the world's most assholish pregnancy test.”

“I could kill the baby.” Night’s smile is unnerving, sending shivers down Rose’s spine. Protector moves in front of her, but Rose can’t move, her heart hammering in her chest. “Right now. I could kill it in your womb. All that magic connecting you two, lost.”

“No, you wouldn’t dare?”

“Wouldn’t I? I hardly think that killing a child is a line I won’t cross. Unless you’ve forgotten, sister, I killed Grian’s planet, children and all.”

“You wouldn’t dare, you over glorified twink!” Rose snaps at him, her eyes glowing blue. “How could you?”

“You’re too soft, Rose.” Night shakes their head. “Your brother was always the stronger one.”

“Oh, fuck off.” Protector snaps. “She’s twice as strong as you’ll ever be.”

“I don’t doubt that for one second.” Night’s smile is unnerving. “Though, perhaps, if you looked at the ground, your lovely Rose would understand why she can’t move.”

The ground around Rose is pitch black, connecting her to Night. The grass wilts, and flowers crumble in the lines path. It doesn’t hurt Rose, though she can tell that it will, if Night wants it too. The surrounding grass begins to wilt, flowers decaying too fast for Rose to properly see.

“I wonder, can Rose wither?” Night laughs, the three others stuck in the clearing looking at him. Builder growls, throwing himself at Night.

Duck. Dodge. Spin. Strike. Block. Repeat. It hurts, something appearing under his feet and sending more damage into his system than any of Night’s strikes. His communicator buzzes, once, twice, death messages mixing with warnings. Strike. He can’t let Protector and Rose get hurt. Dodge. His lungs scream, not used to this type of fighting. Block. Not used to fighting for his life. Spin. Not used to fighting for the lives of others. Duck.

Protector doesn’t want to hurt the player. She won't her the girl, in fact, even if she’s working with Night. The player is wearing a black dress, layers of petticoats under the thick skirt. She wears a black corset outside of the dress - highly impractical, for day wear, though Protector does remember wearing a corset outside her dress when she got married.

Rose watches, helpless, from where she is frozen. Tears slip down her face as she feels the joints in her fingers crack, black ooze leaking out from them. It’s unnatural, it’s painful, it’s terrifying, it’s painless. A scream rips her throat as black ooze falls from her hands. Builder falls to the ground, Protector struggling not to fight the player girl.

“Night, stop this.” Protector pleads. “Please.”

“It will stop when one of you die.” Night says plainly. “But I will not touch you. You must kill someone, your wife or your brother.”

“Protector I,” Builder begins, a hacking cough forcing its way out of his lungs.

“Rose, please.” Protector begs, kneeling in front of her wife. She hands her sword over to the Vex woman. “My life is on your faith.”

“I can’t.” Rose cries, the sword heavy in her heart and hands. The player backs away, towards Night, and the two watch. A tear slips down the players face and Night grins in glee. “I can’t.”

“You must.”

Rose gasps, trying desperately to think of another way. To convince Protector to fulfil Builder’s wish to die protecting them. She can’t, she knows that this is the real reason that Protector came to this wretched place. The prophecy must be fulfilled.

“I wish we had more time.” Rose mumbles as someone exits a nether portal nearby. She can hear the footsteps running towards them. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“Through every world,” Rose mumbles her wedding vows, “I will be with you, sickness and health be damned, my love for you will out number the stars.”

“In every universe, I will be by your side.” Protector finishes, kissing Rose’s hands. “You will be in my heart, the thorn in the side of my heart.”

Rose plunges the sword through Protector’s chest as Grian bursts through the clearing. Protector collapses into Rose’s arms, Night laughing in the distance. Rose sobs as Protector lift’s her hands up, brushing some of Rose’s hair out of her eyes. Rose sinks to the floor, resting Protector against her chest.

“I’m sorry, Tori, I’m so sorry.” Rose cries, shaking with sobs.

“Dad are you okay?” Grian asks as Builder stands, his face blank with tears rolling from empty eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“‘Tector.” Builder mumbles under his breath, unable to look away from his twin sister.

“Mum?” Grian’s confused, and he looks over at the scene. “MUM!”

His scream echoes through the clearing, drowning out every other noise. Protector looks up weakly as he runs to her side, bruised and bloody and crying. Tango, Cleo, Bdubs, the admin and a knight stand at the edge of the clearing, tears rolling down the three named hermits faces. The mission wasn’t successful, then. Rose blinks, and Builder is at Protector’s side. Grian sobs, holding Protector’s hand. He’s begging her to stay alive, to stay with him. Rose can’t tell. She can’t hear anything, her heart drowning out any other sounds. Builder holds Protector’s other hand.

There’s a spot of blood in Protector’s mouth.

“Please stay alive, Mum please.” Grian begs, his voice breaking through the sound of Rose’s heartbeats. “Don’t leave us. Please don’t leave us.”

“You’re going to have a younger sibling, G.” Protector mumbles, wiping the tears from Grian’s eyes. “You take care of your other Mum, alright?”

“Mum,”

“Take care of her and your Dad for me.” Builder’s sobbing, his arms shake as his chest heaves. Faintly, Rose hears the sound of fighting in the distance. Protector smiles, a sad affair. There’s pain in her eyes and more blood forces its way past her lips. “And take care of yourself, Bērniņš”

“You’re not supposed to die.”

“I love you. I love all of you.” Protector looks to the sky, a smile on her face. The light leaves Protector’s eyes as she breathes her last breath.

Rose’s world shatters.

15 notes · View notes

astheskycries · 4 years

Text

Rejected- Chapter Nine

(gif by @evansensations)

Four weeks have passed since Jonathan escaped, and Maggie is determined not to let him hurt her or the Avengers again. Deciding that the best way to keep everyone safe is to become one of them, she begins training under Steve’s care, but his ever-growing protectiveness and HYDRA’s repeated attempts to capture her create a rift between them, and neither know if it can be mended.

One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight

“While there have been no new developments, Captain Steve Rogers is still reported missing. Tony Stark has been utilizing every possible resource in the search for Captain America, and the world is eagerly awaiting his return.”

I move to stir my breakfast, TV playing in the background. I don’t sleep anymore, not since Steve nearly took my life, but I know it wasn’t him. Not really. I sigh and allow myself a long drink of coffee, turning to watch the broadcast again.

“There are reports of yet another brutal terrorist attack in the Manhattan area, just days after the violent attack on the secluded Avengers Compound, reported Captain America’s disappearance. So far there are no recorded deaths, but the resemblance to the damage on the Avenger’s home base is too similar to be a coincidence. We have reports that the Avengers are investigating every possible angle.”

“Steve,” I whisper, unable to help staring at the damage on the screen. There’s no way he realizes what he’s doing- not if Jonathan really messed with his head.

“Miss Smith, Boss is requesting you in the conference room.” FRIDAY speaks up.

I take another drink, barely reacting. “Is he planning on chewing me out with Fury again?”

The door opens. “I take offense to that,” Tony moves, grabbing himself a plate of my food. “You know I think he’s full of shit.”

“Language,” I mutter, still barely reacting and numb as I watch the news. “Any sign of him?”

Tony sighs, leaning next to me on the counter. “Not a damn thing.”

I close my eyes, frustrated. “Why does this keep happening? Why is one stupid man able to ruin so many lives?”

Tony chuckles humorlessly. “I don’t know. But one way or another, we’re going to get him.”

I close my eyes, sighing. “I’m going to see if I can help find Steve. I don’t think there’s much else I can do.”

“I think it’d be better if you rest.” Tony eyes me. “He tried to blow you up.”

“I’ll rest once Steve’s home.” I move, stepping into the elevator and smacking buttons, pretending not to hear Tony’s sigh.

…

“Who was she?” Steve asks, sitting on the hard cot in his cell.

Jonathan crosses his arms, watching him. “No one you need to be concerned with.”

He swallows. “But her face… She looks so familiar…”

“She’s a future target.” He brushes it off. “She isn’t important. Not yet. You concern is to draw the Avengers to an isolated location and eliminate them.”

“Is she an Avenger?” He asks, brow furrowed.

Jonathan pauses. “Yes. But she will be the last- she’s the one who will pay the most for her failures.”

Steve nods slowly, brow furrowed. “Maggie…”

“No,” He says firmly. “Get her out of your mind and focus on the mission.”

Steve nods once, face emotionless. “I’ll kill them all. One by one.”

…

“Get out of here.” Natasha says firmly. “You’ve been here all day. Go get some sun.”

“The sun is basically gone.” I keep focusing on the screen.

“Margaret, get out of here before I make you leave.”

I close out. “Yes ma’am.” I make it onto the roof, staring at nothing and seeing the sunset. It’s beautiful, but it doesn’t mask what’s happened. How Jonathan has taken everything from me, over and over for his own sick pleasure.

But he can’t hurt me if I’m gone.

I step up onto the ledge and look down, admittedly feeling a little sick. I don’t believe in this- I believe in fighting it, working hard to save myself and everyone I love. But somehow… Somehow this makes sense. If I’m gone, Jonathan doesn’t have any leverage. There will be no reason to keep Steve, or to attack the Avengers, or to do anything to hurt anyone else.

I close my eyes and take a step forward, not even feeling the wind before someone grabs me and yanks me back into a solid chest, startling me and making me spin in anger. “What do you think you’re-” I freeze, breath catching.

“Steve…?”

Tags @ariallane @avengerscompound @jennylovelyheart @mewsiex @chrisevans-imagines @imagine-assembling-the-avengers @whostheblondegirl @mylittlefandomfanfictions @hannshasallthecheese @sian22redux @mycapt-ohcapt @jayded-dreams @4theluvofall @smoothdogsgirl @soulmates8 @katiew1973 @hista-girl @fay-1994 @pegasusdragontiger @domcaaa996 @dragonflare18 @mizzzpink @iamwarrenspeace @pinkleopardss @stevergxrs @ilovethings-somuch @be-amaziing @patzammit @corie-the-writer @hellohollands @ajestice @brb-theres-cookies @liza-ouat @shut-it-tinman @chameerah @giftofdreams @geeksareunique @pheonix16 @my-emotional-self @yourstateofdreaming @esoltis280 @janeyboo @ladygrey03 @see-you-again-my-sun-and-stars @marvelfan18buckybear @nerdgirljen @password123d @marvelouslyme96 @jadepc @starbuckycofee @sophster1881 @sleepylunarwolf @gazebozo-the-clown @snowflakesandkisses @shakyskit @gigiljoshler @promarvelfangirl @kimmiestrawberrykiwi @averyrogers83 @lostinthoughtsandfeelings @anaussiesblog @idontbelieveinperfect @disney-fire-fox @leanachansworld @palaiasaurus64 @whyugottabsorude @captainrogerrsbeard @guera31 @marvelismylifffe @coffeebooksandfandom @mrs-captain-evans @kirstie-evans-writes @jamesbarnesappreciationclub @southerngracela @introvertedmouse If you would like on or off the tag list please let me know

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ahtohallan-calling · 4 years

Text

chapter 5 of don’t read the last page is here!

[kristanna / m / multichap / modern au with actress!anna and vetstudent!kristoff]

He’d put the phone down on the counter while he made breakfast, but now that his hands were free again he still didn’t pick it up; after their initial awkward phone call, they’d started FaceTiming instead, and as much as he loved seeing her face, he was really glad she couldn’t see his right now.

“And I was soo confused, so I started telling her, like, ‘Seriously, Honey, he’s got this amazing blond hair that you just like, want to touch all the time and these big brown eyes and little freckles and plus I’m pretty sure he’s kind of ripped and I—‘ Kristoff, I heard the microwave go off already. Are you hiding from me?”

“No,” he muttered, his face turning even redder.

chapter 5

day 1

Sven was just stumbling into the kitchen when Kristoff came in. He frowned, narrowing his eyes suspiciously.

“You look really happy for someone who just dropped off their girlfriend at the airport for a six-week trip,” he said, pouring a glass of chocolate milk.

“Not my girlfriend.”

“Not the important part of that sentence.”

Kristoff snagged the bottle and poured himself a cup. “This is mine, by the way, so you owe me.”

“Fine, I’ll buy toilet paper l-- no, I know you, Bjorgman, you’re trying to distract me.”

Sven narrowed his eyes further, fixing Kristoff with a hard stare. He tried to look as innocent as possible as he went to rummage through the fridge, but then he remembered the way Anna had clung to him, the feel of her little hands in his hair, the press of her lips against--

“Oh my god! You kissed her!”

Kristoff stood, not bothering to hide his smile anymore. “Well, technically, she kissed me.”

“I fucking called it, man, I knew you wouldn’t be able to hold off that much longer.”

“We really did try.”

“You didn’t even make it a week, my guy,” Sven said amiably, meandering into the living room. “You tried harder at Mario Kart the other night. Which, by the way, I know you lost on purpose so Anna could win.”

Kristoff considered arguing, but then his phone lit up with a text from Anna, so instead he grinned and walked away to the sound of Sven sighing dramatically. “I heard that buzz! I know it’s her! Jesus, I’d say get a room, but--”

Kristoff didn’t hear the rest as he shut his bedroom door.

kris!! theres wifi i can text you

Im in first class look

That’s crazy

They gave you champagne this early in the morning?

supposed to be for mimosas

but it’s like 5 o clock somewhere

specifically romania so

That jet lag is going to be rough.

How long is your flight?

10 hrs to london then 3 to bucharest💀

but i think my seat turns into a bed so ill try to sleep

theres sooooo many movies tho!

omg theyre bringing more snacks….i feel like a movie star already

You kind of are.

havent made the movie yet!!

oh the director is here he wants to talk ttyl

---

day 4

For some reason, her hands were shaking as they hovered over the green button. “Just do it, Anna,” she muttered to herself. “It’s just Kristoff. He told you to call.”

Thanks to the time difference and long flights, it had taken most of two days to even get here, and on her first full day in Romania she’d been so overwhelmed with the film set and meeting her co-star Adam and talking to the directors and producers and costumers and cameramen that she’d completely crashed the moment she’d gotten back to her hotel room. She’d woken up in the middle of the night and sent Kristoff a quick text apologizing for not calling; he’d responded almost immediately, reassuring her that it was fine and to just call him the next day. At a reasonable hour, he’d made sure to add, not at 2 A.M. Go back to sleep.

She had, and then she’d nearly missed her alarm and hadn’t had time to call him in the morning, and then she’d been filming her first scene and been so overwhelmed by all of that that now it was nearly six o’clock, and it was the first time she’d gotten to look at her phone all day.

He’d texted her once at around 9 A.M. her time. Good luck today! You’ll kill it. Her heart had done a funny little flip at the message, simple as it was; every time she thought of Kristoff, it didn’t feel quite real, like it was just a daydream she would wake up from, but here it was, concrete proof that even literally halfway around the world-- more than halfway, actually-- he was still thinking of her, still caring about her.

The remembrance of that was what finally gave her the courage to hit call. She felt too nervous to FaceTime him, especially considering she was already in sweatpants and halfway through eating a bowl of pasta on her bed. He picked up on the third ring, sounding breathless for some reason.

“Hey! Anna! How are you?”

“I’m, um, I’m good! How are you? You sound kind of...out of breath?”

“Oh, yeah, you caught me at the gym, so I--”

“Oh! I’m so sorry, let me hang up and--”

“No, don’t! I’m almost done, just--”

There was a quick beep in the background, and a whirring noise she hadn’t noticed until now stopped. “Okay, sorry, we’re good.”

She couldn’t help but imagine what he looked like right now, with his hair hanging in his eyes and sweat dripping down his very well-muscled--

“Anna? You there?”

He’d just asked her something, but she’d been too busy daydreaming to catch it. Maybe it really was for the best she hadn’t gone for FaceTime; she probably would have been struck speechless at the sight of him. “Sorry, I was just-- sorry. Um. What did you say?”

He laughed softly. “I asked how your first day of filming went.”

“Oh! It was good, really good, actually. We filmed that scene I auditioned with, actually. They changed the bit about the cowboy boots.”

“Thank god. I don’t know anything about movies, but I know that was awful.”

“Oh, yeah, Adam-- that’s who’s playing Jesse-- he said they’d have to double his paycheck if they wanted him to say shit like that, and then we kind of improv-ed something else and it went really well.”

“That’s awesome!”

Anna felt herself blushing, just barely, at the sound of the genuine pride in his voice. “It was, um, it was nothing, really.”

“So how’s all of it going? Are the...um...honestly, I don’t know who all is involved in making movies. But are the other people nice?”

“Yeah! I really like the girl who does my hair and makeup, her name’s Honey. Isn’t that cute?”

Kristoff laughed; she could hear him starting the car in the background. Anna bit her lip. “Oh-- did you get to shower?”

“I will at home, don’t worry. Anyway--”

“You need to focus on driving? Yeah, I totally get it, seriously. Bye!”

She hit the red button and quickly dropped her phone. Her heart had been pounding the whole time; god, she was really out of practice with this whole thing. Embarrassment swept over her, and she buried her face in her knees; how the hell was this going to work when she was too self-conscious to talk to him for more than five minutes? God, she’d be lucky if he ever bothered to call her again after this.

To her surprise, the phone buzzed only a moment later. She debated picking it up for a long moment, then decided to go ahead and rip the bandaid off and snatched it up.

Just FYI, I was feeling really nervous, too. Want me to call you back after I get home and shower?

For some reason, tears started to fill her eyes as she typed a response.

yes please :)

She showered, too, taking her time as she let the hot water work its magic on the tension in her shoulders, drawing in slow, deep breaths to steady herself. It wasn’t that every guy she’d ever dated had been bad, per se, just that it had been quite a long time since she’d been with someone who made her feel this nervous and excited and terrified and joyful all at once-- actually, now that she thought about it, she didn’t know if she’d ever liked someone else this much right off the bat. Since coming to L.A. almost two years ago, she’d had a string of bad luck with men, and it was strange readjusting to the notion that one would want to talk to her as much as she wanted to talk to him, that he actually wanted to hear about her day, that he saw right through all her embarrassing little defense mechanisms and somehow knew just what to say to make her feel better. Of course they knew each other, but this was something different, something more, as if she didn’t even have to say something for him to understand.

Her phone buzzed again ten minutes after she got out of the shower; with a smile, she picked it up.

“Hey, Kris.”

“Hey, Anna.”

“Ready to try again?”

“With you? Always.”

---

day 9

“So I was telling her, like, ‘I wish I had a recent picture of him to show you because he’s like, super super hot.’ And she kind of made this face and was like ‘that won’t make a difference.’”

“No,” he muttered, his face turning even redder.

Anna giggled. “Then show me your face.”

He did so reluctantly; to his surprise, she didn’t laugh. “Kris, you know you are, like, super handsome, right? Seriously.”

“I’m, um, I’m just gonna—“

“I mean it. Like I get why you’re feeling shy about it and stuff but just know that, okay?”

He only nodded, feeling a little better, although his face was still heated. Anna, knowing when to leave well enough alone, smiled at him and continued her story. “Anyway, I told her all that and she just started laughing, and finally when I was done she was like ‘Anna, I’m gay’. And so then I showed her a picture of my sister, and I’m just saying, when we’re back in LA, we’re definitely doing a double date.”

—-

day 15

She didn’t know why she felt so nervous about telling him about it. She’d already texted him that morning telling him what scenes they were filming, and it wasn’t like it had meant anything; it was just part of the movie, and Adam was married anyway— but then again, it wasn’t that part that had really been bothering her. She still wasn’t sure until she was explaining it all to Kristoff, forcing herself to maintain eye contact as she held up her phone inside the blanket nest she’d constructed on her bed.

“And like, he and I are good friends now, so that at least made it easier. And we were all in character and stuff, so, you know, it felt right, and then they started the fake snow going and we just did it, you know?”

“Uh-huh,” Kristoff said, his voice neutral.

“That like— this doesn’t bother you, right?” she asked quickly. “Because seriously, it didn’t mean—“

“Anna, I know. This is literally your job, I’m not jealous or anything. But please tell me if I ever make you feel like I’m mad or something, because I’m seriously not.”

She let out the breath she’d been holding. “I— I know. I just...wanted to make sure. Because it still, like...still felt weird to me, you know? And I can’t figure out why.”

He nodded thoughtfully. “Have you done this before? Like, stage kissing and stuff?”

“Oh, yeah, lots of times. But this time felt kind of different. I just don’t know why.”

He considered it for a moment, looking so thoughtful she couldn’t help but smile, feeling a little flutter in her chest at the thought that he really and truly cared about helping her figure this out. “Enough about me, though, tell me about that crazy to-go order you texted me about. Did you end up getting to see the person who’d ordered it?”

They talked for so long Anna lost track of time, until she yawned so widely Kristoff stopped talking mid-sentence.

“Anna, what time is it there?”

“Um...close to eleven?”

“What time did you get up this morning?”

“...four.”

He laughed softly. “Get some sleep. I’ll talk to you again tomorrow morning, okay?”

She wanted to argue, but honestly she’d been fighting to keep her eyes open for the last half hour. “Night, Kris.”

“Night, Anna. Sweet dreams.”

He said that every night, but the way he’d smiled tonight— she was thinking about it until long after she’d hung up her phone and closed her eyes. Then, suddenly, she sat upright and snatched it up again, typing furiously.

figured it out...before, there’s never been someone i ACTUALLY wanted to kiss instead

I wish it had been me, too.

—

day 21

hey kris!!! sorry i know it’s the middle of the night there so i hope this doesn’t wake you up but i set an alarm on my phone for the exact time and as of like 10 seconds ago we’re halfway there!!!!!!! 😊😊😊

To her surprise, a response came just a few minutes later.

:) Knew we could do this.

—

day 23

“I got my class schedule today.”

“Yeah? Show me!”

He held it up awkwardly to the camera, and she squinted at it. “Oh, wow, that’s a lot of blocks. Are you still going to work at Starbucks?”

“Yeah, I’ve been there the whole time I’ve been in school. Just work less hours on weekdays, usually pick up some early morning weekend shifts.”

“Oh, that sucks.”

He shrugged. “It works out. I, uh, I’ve got some scholarships that cover most of my tuition, so then it’s, y’know. Rent money and stuff.”

Anna frowned, feeling suddenly acutely aware of how much money she was making for a lot less work. “Will you have, like...any free time?”

“Oh, yeah, of course,” he said quickly, suddenly sounding nervous. “I promise I’ll still have time to hang out with you and stuff, just--”

“No, no that’s like-- shit, that’s not what I meant, Kris, I mean I kind of did but like-- I’m not trying to like, pressure you or--”

“No, I get it, I--”

“No, I mean like school is way important and you like--”

“Seriously, when I say we can--”

Anna took a deep breath. “Okay. You talk first.”

“I, um. I don’t want you to think, like, I won’t make time for you or something, though. Um-- that was all.”

She smiled, wishing she could be there in person; it was so much easier to reassure him when she could just squeeze his hand. “Seriously, that’s not what I meant. I was just worried about you, ‘cause that’s, like, a lot of stress. So if there’s anything I can do to like, help or whatever, just...just let me know. Like...with anything.”

“Seriously, I think it’ll help a ton to just have a pretty girl keeping me company while I study.”

She felt her cheeks turn pink. “What if I end up wanting to distract you?”

Now she wasn’t the only one blushing.

---

day 30

“Miss you.”

“Miss you, too.”

Tonight, there wasn’t really anything else to say.

—-

day 34

He’d stopped leaving his phone on silent overnight; it was silly, really, but he always had a tiny fear that maybe something would happen over in Romania while he was asleep, and maybe Anna would need to reach him, and there probably wouldn’t be anything he could actually do...but still.

Despite that, though, it still took a lot to wake him, so when his phone went off one night close to three in the morning, he nearly missed the call. “Hello?” he mumbled sleepily, putting it to his ear.

He heard a familiar little giggle. “It’s FaceTime, Kris. I’m sorry to wake you up, I just-- I really wanted you to see this.”

“Oh-- hang on.” He fumbled for his glasses on the nightstand, sliding them on and blinking blearily at the screen. “Um...where are you? I just see, like...the ceiling?”

“Oh-- that’s cause I gave my phone to Honey, just a second, and she’ll show you.”

The phone was lifted up suddenly by a pretty woman with bronze skin and dark hair thrown up into a bun. “Nice to meet you, Anna’s boyfriend.”

He wondered if she could see him blush even in the dark room. “Nice to meet you, too.”

“Okay, okay, I’m ready!” he heard Anna chirp from somewhere. “Turn the camera!”

Honey did with a laugh, and Kristoff sat upright, his eyes wide. Anna was in a deep blue ballgown that fit perfectly to her torso before flaring out into a long, shimmery skirt. Her hair was down, set in curls that shone especially bright against the dark color of the gown, and she was smiling so brightly he thought his heart was going to burst.

“You look beautiful, baby,” he said, half-convinced he was still dreaming.

She was quiet for a moment, and then he realized she was blushing bright red. He heard Honey giggle, and then the phone was being handed back over to Anna. “You’ve never called me that before.”

“What, beautiful? I definitely--”

“No, I--” Her blush deepened. “Kris, are you wearing a shirt?”

He glanced down. “Oh-- uh, no, I’m not. Sorry, I didn’t think you’d be able to see without the lights--”

A mischievous glint was twinkling in her eye. “Trust me, Bjorgman, there’s nothing to apologize for.”

Now he was blushing, too. “Um-- so you’ve got to be filming something special today, right?”

“Yeah, the big ballroom scene. I just...I really love this dress, and the way Honey did my hair and stuff, and I, um...I wanted you to see.”

He smiled softly. “I’m glad. You really do look so, so beautiful.”

She opened her mouth to say something else, but then he heard Honey call, “Hey, Anna, say bye to the boyfriend, they want you on set in five.”

Anna turned back to the camera, looking suddenly nervous. “Kris, are you my boyfriend?”

“Do you want me to be?”

“Yeah.”

He grinned, no longer sleepy. “Okay.”

Anna laughed. “Okay?”

“Hey, it’s still the middle of the night, and I’m still kind of speechless after seeing you in that dress. Cut me some slack.”

“Go back to bed. Sorry I woke you up.”

He yawned. “I’m not.”

---

day 40

“Look! All packed!” She grinned, turning her phone quickly around the room to show off her only slightly overstuffed suitcases. “And ready to come home!”

“Do you think you’ll miss it?”

“No, I mean...it’s beautiful and all here, but it’s still not home.”

Kristoff grinned at that. “You still want me to pick you up from the airport?”

“Um, is that even a question?”

He laughed. “Just making sure! I mean, six weeks is a long time, don’t know if you got tired of me.”

“Kristoff, the second I get back to LA, I’m like, jumping on you again and kissing the fuck out of you.”

He waggled his eyebrows. “And then?”

She could tease him, too. “And then you’d better hurry the hell up and take me back to your apartment so I can show you how much I missed you.”

“....Jesus Christ. Why does waiting two more days suddenly feel so much longer than the other forty?”

#3k words this time #yay yay yay #drtlp #my fics

41 notes · View notes

mymoodwriting · 4 years

Text

Kindness Goes A Long Way

F!Reader x Sicheng

Genre: Post Apocalypse AU

Warning: Burns, Electrocution, Guns, Needles, Drugs, Insomnia

Words: 4.3K

Chapters:

Prompt: The end of the world is hard to accept as it is, but it’s even harder to be alone. It seems fate had brought you to Sicheng, someone who can definitely survive in the abandoned waste land that had become of Earth. You then find yourself with a group of others, and you might just have a chance at survival. The only problem is there’s something off about the group, something they’re not telling you, and it might mean the difference between life and death.

“How much longer are we going to wait.”

It wasn’t surprising that Sicheng was a bit impatient, given that they needed to stay put and get themselves together. No one had suffered any real damage, just minor inconveniences.

“Calm down.” Ten said. “We still need a plan you know.”

“Yeah we can’t just go up against these guys again without a plan.” YangYang added. “We got our asses handed to us.”

“You didn’t.” Lucas reminded. “You hid under a bed.”

“Kun told me to.”

“Since when do you do what you’re told. Let alone what Kun tells you to do”

“If it wasn’t for me we’d be going home. Sicheng should be thanking me or else he’d lose his girlfriend.”

“Ya! She’s not my girlfriend, she’s human.”

“That’s what you say now.”

“Enough.” Kun interrupted. “Can we calm down and focus. Where is she anyway?”

“About a day away from us.” YangYang pulled up a holo map. “They stopped here for the night, but they’ll probably get moving soon.”

“And we’re still here!”

“Easy, we can just send drones.” Hendery said. “Right?”

“Yeah. Have them scout ahead and keep an eye on her.”

“We still need a plan of attack.” Xiaojun reminded.

“So let’s talk about it on the way.” Sicheng added. “We’re wasting time.”

“Alright.” Kun said. “YangYang, send out the drones, and everyone pack up, we’re moving in five.”

♥♥♥♥♥

You and Jungwoo ate on the roof, enjoying the sunlight, and giving you a vantage point. You were both quiet, you had no idea what he was thinking but you were trying to figure out what being compatible meant. After eating Jungwoo grabbed a walkie from his bag and turned it on. You freaked out grabbing his arm.

“What are you doing? They’ll find us.”

“Easy, we’ll be okay. We only use this for a few minutes, just to check in with each other. Besides I can’t talk to everyone, only two, we won’t be found.”

“Okay.”

You trusted him, besides it sounded like they had done this before. Even if you were worried you were also excited. The way they were all coordinated and had contingencies for all kinds of situations, it really felt possible like there plan to take back the planet would work.

“This is beta five checking in, over.”

“Beta five I read you, this is beta three, status, over.”

“Two days out, all clear for beta five, over.”

“Copy that, lay low, see you at base, over.”

“See you at base.” Jungwoo lowered the walkie. “See, easy.”

“What… what was all that? But you don’t know their status?”

“It doesn’t work like that. It’s like a circle, I tell one person my status, and someone will tell me theres.”

“What?”

“I can explain better when I hear from another.”

“Wait another?”

“Yes.”

“This is beta two checking in, over.”

“See. Told you.” He chuckled and got up for a better signal. “Beta two I read you, this is beta five, status, over.”

“Two and a half days out, minor drone issues, all clear now for beta two, over.”

“Copy that, lay low, see you at base, over.”

“See you at base.”

“So you only tell one person you’re okay?”

“Yeah, if anything had been wrong, beta two would have told me, whether it was a problem from them or from whichever group they heard from. But since I got the all clear then it seems everything is okay. Now I just leave the walkie on for a bit, give enough time for all the info to circulate, and if I don’t hear anything in like two minutes, then everything is okay. It’s just one big circle, but no one ever knows everyone’s location, just status really.”

“So what if there was a problem?”

“Well, let’s say we had a problem, then the group I told it too, beta five, would be the ones to help. Everyone else would know we’re having trouble, but also know that someone is helping us. It’s really just used to explain any delays in arrival to the rendevu point.”

“Wait I thought we were going somewhere safe?”

“We are, but we meet up some place first before going to the safe haven. It’s better that way so we’re not opening the door all the time, and also cause we don’t have the password. It’s a whole phrase and we all know different parts of it, so as you can see, we can’t just go in by ourselves.”

“That’s pretty smart, especially since robots have human faces now.”

“Exactly. So, are you good to go?”

“Yeah.”

Before you started packing up Jungwoo checked on your fever, you felt better, and it had gone down, but you weren’t completely healed.

“How have you been feeling anyway?”

“Not so sick, still just tired though.”

“Yeah, maybe we should stay awhile and let you sleep.”

“No, no that’s not a good idea. I can sleep when we get to the randevu. We need to keep moving.”

“If you say so.”

It wasn’t long before you two were back on the road, finding anything to talk about to help pass the time. It was nice, if the world hadn’t ended you’d think this was just a fun adventure between two friends.

“Hey Jungwoo.”

“Hm?”

“How do you know where to go? You don’t have a map or a compass.”

“I do, I just don’t need to look at it.”

“Cocky.”

“No, I’ve done this many times before. At this point I know this terrain a lot better than most people.”

“So then you know where we’re going to stop for supplies and the night.”

“Pretty much. So you don’t have to worry about it.”

“At least I know that.”

Around noon, when the sun was at its highest point Jungwoo found place to resupply and lay low, to avoid heat stroke. You only stayed for about an hour before you kept moving, chewing on some snacks while you walked. It was mostly calm, and you hoped the trip would always be that way, but you were wrong. While walking, something in Jungwoo’s bag started beeping.

“What’s that?”

“An alarm.”

“Alarm? For what?”

“That!”

Jungwoo didn’t even grab whatever was beeping, looking up at the sky with wide eyes. You didn’t get to look for yourself before he grabbed your hand and started running. At that point you didn’t care to look back, focused on following him and staying close. You wound up going into the nearest building you could find and getting out of sight. Jungwoo put his bag down, grabbing this phone like device, that was still beeping, and shutting it off.

“Jungwoo what’s going on?”

“Drones. Two appeared and might have locked onto us.”

“What… what are we going to do?”

“You need to stay here.”

“Me? What about you?”

“I need to take them out or else we’re going to be stuck.”

“Are you insane! Jungwoo, please!”

“Y/n, I’ve done this before, I’m going to be fine, just stay here.”

“Jungwoo…”

“It’s okay. I won’t be gone long.”

You nervously sat down. This kind of fear you felt everyday, every moment, the fear of being found by the bots. But now that you were found, it felt like when the war started. Every step was dangerous, and hiding didn’t bring a piece of mind but made one feel cornered. Knowing a drone, two drones, were around was just as bad as a robot. Those flying orbs that were at least four times bigger than a basketball, completely silver and looking in every direction, it was like flying metal, but deadlier.

You watched as Jungwoo grabbed parts from his bag, assembling a gun, like the ones you had seen him and his group use before. You really didn’t want him to go out there alone, but he clearly only had one gun and even then you didn’t know how you could help since you were paralyzed with fear. He gave you a reassuring look before leaving the room.

You waited anxiously, trying not to count the seconds, and trying not to think about the worst case scenario and what you would do if you were alone. Everything was going to be fine, you had to believe that, you wanted to believe that, but then you heard a scream. There was no doubt in your mind it was Jungwoo who had screamed. You whimpered, feeling the tears coming on, feeling like it was over, but you couldn’t give up so easily.

You swallowed your fear and found something to use as a weapon. You took a breath and walked out into the open, looking around. You wanted to call out for Jungwoo, but you knew it wouldn’t end well. You heard him scream again and rushed over to where it had come from, needing to find him. When you turned the corner your eyes went wide, now face to face with a drone.

Even though there was no way to know which side was the front of the floating sphere, you knew it could see you. Before you could even think to run the thing split down the middle and the bottom half lowered itself, revealing a gun barrel in order to shoot you. When things first started, you knew the drones had bullets, but that wasn’t the case for you. Instead you were hit with a small disk, the thing electrocuting you to the point of making you pass out, and you collapsed to the floor.

♥♥♥♥♥

Jungwoo stayed low when he left you, the beeping device was a locator he had with him so he could tell where the drones were. He managed to hit one that was outside from a window, but he wondered why the two hadn’t been together. He then heard screaming, you scream, and ran to find you. When he saw you on the ground he was worried and then he noticed the drone floating over to you. He didn’t hesitate to shoot it down, rushing to your side.

“Y/n!” He pulled you into his lap, gently shaking you. “Y/n! Y/n are you okay?”

“Hm…”

You slowly came too, seeing Jungwoo and noticing you were in his arms. He was relieved that you were awake, noticing the device stuck to your shirt and yanking it off, tossing it to the side.

“What… what happened…”

“I don’t know, you tell me. I told you to stay in the room.”

“But… but I heard you scream…”

“I didn’t scream.”

“I heard you…”

“Even if I did… you came out to help me, you’re crazy, you know that.”

“I wasn’t gonna just leave you… I have nothing without you.”

“Well next time I tell you to stay put, you stay put, promise?”

“Promise.”

“Are you sure you’re alright?”

“Yeah.” You sat up. “I can mark getting tased off my bucket list. We should go, it’s not a good idea to stick around these things.”

“Couldn’t agree more.”

You were both in a hurry to move and get as far away as possible. At first you stumbled around a bit, the extra electricity still messing with you until it passed. Jungwoo stayed close to make sure you didn’t fall over and hurt yourself.

♥♥♥♥♥

“What happened to laying low?”

The guys had caught up to the drones, taking a small break in their journey to repair them. Sicheng was working on the one indoors, YangYang with him.

“Honestly, given that we’re now being delayed, I figured you’d be upset, even if this is your fault.”

“I would be but we learned something.” Sicheng admitted. “Joshua and TJ only recorded two heat signatures.”

“Which means?”

“The group split up. It’s only y/n and that guy. We don’t need to be so cautious when we get close, we outnumber them.”

“Well you’re lucky they just used an EMP again, if Joshua or TJ had been damaged I would beat you.”

“I know, I know.” The drone Sicheng was working on glowed blue and floated back up. “There we go, back online. You good Joshua?”

The drone flashed blue and spun around, Sicheng petting it. Joshua then showed his weapon, revealing the missing slot for a taser disk. Sicheng had found it earlier and reset it, putting it back where it belonged.

“Told you mimicking his voice would work.” YangYang said. “You’re welcome by the way, but why did you have her tased anyway?”

“If we took them both out, it’d stop them for a while, letting us catch up.”

“True, by the way, TJ learned something about our kidnapper.”

“How far are we from her now?”

“Half a day, maybe more depending on where they stop for the night.”

“That’s good. We can get moving now.”

“I’ll have TJ and Joshua head back home then. Don’t want them getting hurt.”

“Agreed.”

♥♥♥♥♥

Your chest still hurt a bit from the sting of that disk earlier. It all happened so fast, and you wondered why you weren’t killed, then again it probably had something to do with you being compatible. As night approached Jungwoo knew exactly where to go. There was this big house, you’d think it would be a mess but it was a bit clean, Jungwoo telling you his group used the place often.

“I wish I lived in a place like this.”

“Given your career, I think you would have.”

“Really? This place is clearly expensive.”

“Well maybe we’ll find out someday.”

“Maybe.”

Jungwoo went up to the second floor, finding a room to set up for the night. The two of you ate together, and you were glad you could finally get some sleep.

“What’s it like?”

“What?”

“This… safe haven of yours… your home.”

“Ah. Well, it’s pretty big, underground too. We have a farm area where we grow most of our food, a nice place to soak in the sun, an infirmary, kitchen. It’s like a community home with everything we could need.”

“It sounds great. You know, you should teach me how to use your gun.”

“Have you ever shot one?”

“I used to have one… I think Sicheng took it from me. I fired it a few times, never at a person though.”

“Well you won’t with this one either. It’s fairly similar, just bigger, and it doesn’t shoot bullets. How about tomorrow before we leave we get some practice in.”

“Sounds like a plan to me.”

As you laid back it dawned on you just how long it had been since you actually went to bed. You curled up in the sleeping bag, exhaustion quickly catching up with you and you drifted off to sleep. Lately you slept well, and there was a reason why, a reason you no longer had. You weren’t sure for how long you were actually asleep, but you woke up screaming, quickly covering your mouth, feeling the tears on your face.

You startled Jungwoo awake. The boy was quick to grab the gun he had close, looking around for a target but only seeing you trying to quiet your sobs. Despite wanting to comfort you he got up and quickly went to check outside the room to make sure no one was around. He put the gun down when he returned, quietly pulling you into his arms.

“You’re okay, you’re okay y/n.”

“I…”

“Sh, you don’t need to tell me.”

“I… I do… I… I remembered something…”

“What is it?”

“They… the scrambler… it… he went through my memories…”

“They can do that?”

“You’ve told me everything… if… if they…” You were starting to hyperventilate. “If they get me again, they’ll go through them and find out everything. If they… I’m so sorry, I… I’m-”

“No, no, hey, hey, it’s okay. I’m not going to let them take you. When we get to the safe haven you’ll stay there, you’ll be safe. They won’t get you, I promise.”

“Don’t make promises like that.”

“Sh, just take a deep breath. I’m going to keep you safe.”

“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to wake you…”

“I’m fine, what about you?”

“I just… it’s never been easy for me to sleep ever since… I’m always tired.”

“You’ll be okay, and I’m sure you’ll get some good sleep soon.”

“Can you… can you…”

“What?”

“Can you just stay close.”

“Of course.”

It was a bit easier to sleep then, maybe it was cause you knew Jungwoo was close. Maybe you just slept better when you knew, when you felt, that you weren’t alone. Jungwoo stayed up, waiting for you to sleep, and making sure you were okay before getting some sleep too. You didn’t wake up again until morning, the sounds of birds scaring you a bit more that sounding peaceful.

You sat up, seeing that Jungwoo wasn’t with you, probably checking the perimeter. You figured you’d wait for him and grabbed a snack, packing up your sleeping bag. You stepped out of the room, seeing the sun that was barely on the rise from a nearby window, it was quite lovely. Since you had the time you figured you’d look around the house a bit, wondering what kinda things you could find.

“Y/n!”

“Jungwoo?” You heard his voice but couldn’t find him. “Where are you?”

“Down the hall, come on, there’s something I want to show you.”

“Is it some cool rich thing?”

“Something like that.”

You chuckled and followed his voice, being called into a room. You walked in, seeing some pretty cool paintings, and then you notice who was in the room, Xiaojun.

“Long time no see.”

Your eyes went wide with fear, but unlike last time, you didn’t freeze. You bolted for the door, only to watch it slam shut, Ten having been hiding behind it. You didn’t seem to find any other way out, knowing your only hope at this point was to scream. Once you did the two rushed to you, Xiaajun covering your mouth and holding you still.

You thrashed in his arms, trying to get free, but it was useless. When you noticed the chip in Ten’s hand you tried to scream again, wanting to get away from him. You kicked at Ten, trying to keep him away, but that caused Xiaojun to shove you against a wall. You were pinned, with little room to move.

“I didn’t know you’d be such a squirmer.” Ten said. “If you fight it’s going to hurt, so don’t.”

You weren’t surprised to feel the tears falling, your heart racing. You closed your eyes when you felt the chip, a headache starting to form. It hurt like nothing before, and it gave you some strength to fight, but the two boys wound up pinning you.

“Y/n, just give in.” Xiaojun said. “You’re only hurting yourself.”

“You’re not going to win.”

“Let her go!”

Jungwoo burst into the room, firing without hesitation. The disk landed on Ten and quickly went off, the two collapsing to the floor along with you. When you hit the floor you screamed, the headache becoming something different as the chip shorted out while still on you. Jungwoo rushed over to you and ripped it off of you, seeing the small burn it had left.

“Fuck. I’m sorry.”

“We… we have to go… now…”

“I know, come on.”

Jungwoo helped you to your feet. You followed behind him, a bit dazed, but you kept moving. Although, after a few steps you collapsed to the floor, your leg hurting.

“Y/n, what’s wrong?”

“My leg… ah, it hurts.”

“Let me see.”

He checked to see another burn on your leg, darker than the other, clearly from something internal.

“You… you had a chip in your leg.”

“What! They’ve been tracking me… you need to go.”

“What?”

“They’re after me, if you stay they’ll kill you.”

“I’m not leaving you to them.”

“Someone needs to tell the others about those chips, and that EMPs don’t work, and that your plans are compromised.”

“I am not leaving you. Look the chip is clearly fried, the tracker won’t work anymore, they won’t follow us.”

“I can’t walk on this…”

“Yes you can, I’ll help you.”

“I am not letting you die cause of me!”

“We go together, that’s final.”

Despite your protests Jungwoo helped you to your feet, wrapping an arm around your waist. You swore to yourself but moved as best as you could.

“I have some pain killers, they’re for emergencies.”

“You need to leave me.”

“I told you last night, I am getting you somewhere safe.”

Somehow you managed to get back in the room. Jungwoo sat you down, handing you his gun and giving you a quick tutorial, telling you to aim at the door and shoot at anything that came through. He went through his bag, getting a syringe and sticking it in your shoulder.

“It should take effect in a few seconds.”

“How did you even find me?”

“I heard a door slam and then you screamed.”

“Ah, thanks, but what are we going to do now? We can’t just outrun them, or lead them to the rendevu point.”

“We’ll take a quick detour, and if we can shoot them all down for a while then we can lose them properly.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You didn’t know about the tracker, and the two of us can get away on our own.”

“I’ve been nothing but trouble.”

“And I’ll do it all again without a doubt.”

Jungwoo packed the essentials quickly, and when you got to your feet you felt good, the pain practically nonexistent, you could run. You handed Jungwoo the gun back, grabbing your bag and following him out. He knew the house, so you avoided the big halls, getting downstairs quietly. Being with him inspired confidence, but you should have known better. When you stepped out to the backyard patio Kun revealed himself.

Jungwoo shot at him, but Kun grabbed the disk in midair, letting it go off, and nothing happened. He chuckled after the EMP went off, examining the disk for a bit before dropping it to the floor and crushing it under his foot. There was no doubt in your mind how this was going to end, but you had to try and change at least something. You took a step forward, standing in front of Jungwoo.

“Please…”

“Y/n, what are you doing?” Jungwoo hissed, grabbing your arm. “You-”

“Please let him go.” Your voice was shaky. “You just want me right? Please…”

The rest of the group appeared from behind. Jungwoo quickly turned around, his back against yours. You refused to look back, not wanting to meet eyes with Sicheng, but when you heard footsteps approach, you knew they were his.

“Get back!” Jungwoo yelled. “I said stay back.”

“Your gun is nothing but a toy, so drop it.”

You pushed back the tears and turned around, pushing Jungwoo’s gun down. You got in front of him again, this time pleading to Sicheng.

“Let him go, please. Make him forget me, forget all of this, but just let him go!”

“It’s not that simple.”

“Please! I’ll go with you, I won’t fight, I won’t run again, please!”

The others slowly spread out until you were completely surrounded. You held on tight to Jungwoo, taking slight steps back as Sicheng approached.

“Sicheng please…”

“Y/n.” Jungwoo mumbled. “Y/n…”

“Don’t kill him.”

“Y/n!” Jungwoo turned you around to face him. “If they were going to kill me they would have done it by now.”

“What?”

“I’m compatible.” He looked at Sicheng. “Aren’t I?”

“Someone’s been talking.”

“No, no you… you… Jungwoo you have to run!”

Once the boys had surrounded you, they slowly approached, getting closer until Sicheng could snatch you away. Others quickly grabbed Jungwoo and forced him on his knees, keeping him there. You tried to get away from Sicheng, but his grip was firm.

“Y/n cut it out.” You were pulled into a hug. “I know it’s been scary without me but it’s okay, I’m here.”

You couldn’t believe what you were hearing, feeling far more afraid than comforted. His grip on you loosened a bit and he noticed the burn mark on your head.

“Ouch, that must have hurt.”

“Sicheng…”

“Sh, I’m here now, you’ll be okay. I just need to be sure.”

You weren’t sure when or how, but he had a chip in his hand. You started thrashing a bit but Kun held you in place. Your head was still a bit fuzzy from before, but it didn’t stop the headache from being just as bad. You hated how it felt familiar this time, and a part of you just wanted to let everything happen, to let him in again.

“Stop hurting her!”

“She’s doing this herself.” Sicheng said. “She said she wouldn’t fight.”

“If you let me go!”

“Who’s taking him anyway? Cause he needs to shut up.”

“I will.” Lucas volunteered, getting a chip from his pocket and getting down to Jungwoo’s level. “I highly suggest you don’t fight this.”

“I won’t give in easily.”

“You’re not going to win if that’s what you think.”

“We’ll see.”

“Cocky, I like it.”

You had been holding back your screams, biting your lip, almost breaking skin, then you heard Jungwoo scream. It caught you off guard, something you never wanted to hear in this situation, but that small moment of hesitation was all Sicheng needed to get in. You collapsed into his arms, your vision becoming a bit hazy, the screaming now a distant sound.

Sicheng held you, easing you back into a calm and submissive mental state, like he had you before. You cuddled against him, quickly feeling comfortable and safe and happy with him. Your hearing suddenly came back and Jungwoo’s screaming startled you again, making a few tears fall.

“Easy, it’s okay, he’s going to be just fine. Just like you.”

You vaguely noticed the needle he had, whatever was in it had a slight blue glow, but all you did was tilt your head to the side. You didn’t really feel a prick, probably not even going to remember what had just happened. Sicheng kissed your head, his eyes glowing, seeing the changes within you since he last checked.

“Not so sick anymore, that’s good. Now come on, you haven’t eaten yet, and we need to get that tracker out of our leg.”

Sicheng took your hand and lead you away from the patio and back inside. You looked back to see that Jungwoo had stopped screaming, still on his knees, a blank stare on his face, a chip on his head too.. You kept your eyes on him for as long as you could, feeling guilt but not being able to fully understand why. It wasn’t long before you were completely swallowed into the fog, your worries fading away.

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peggysousfan · 4 years

Text

Agent Carter AN Au Series

Its here!!! Chapter 12 is partially done! Since the episodes and the story have to coincide with each other, each episode will likely be 3+ chapters each. This chapter is only part of episode 1 and its 2500+ words...so yeah. I’m gonna have a lot of revision and thinking to do for future chapters XD I hope y’all enjoy this one!!!!

Peggy's POV:

I rise early in the morning, right before the sun. I see that Steph is sound asleep, and I slip away for a shower. Today I start working again, and while I am thrilled to leave this building and do more than sit around and read, I am worried. I've never been away from my little poppet before, and I don't know how long I'll be able to go without seeing her. I'm suppose to be in the office at 9 O' Clock and leave around 5, but I'm hoping to leave sooner than that. I know the Jarvis's will take good care of her, but I'm still fearful of what the day lintels. I step out of the shower and quickly change, only to hear Stephanie start to cry. I pick her up and start to nurse her.

Shes been doing amazing since Daniel helped. Daniel... Oh bloody hell. I forgot. What will me working entail for us? I hope we'll still be able to spend time together. I don't want us to grow apart. We've been getting so close...and I'm not exactly sure how to feel about it to other than amazing. I'm not sure if he feels this feeling I do when we're together, but I hope we'll be able to explore it further. Once Steph is finished I lay her back down and make some tea and toast. Colleen grabbed the newspaper earlier and I haven't gotten to read it yet, but when I do, I'm in complete shock. CAPTAIN AMERICA ALLAY YET TO EXPLAIN WEAPON SALE. Oh dammit Howard, what have you done now... I set down the paper and finish getting ready for work. I water the plant and start to fold up the bed, until Colleen enters.

"Oh don't bother, I can't feel my feet." Shes been working more nigh shifts lately and has just returned home.

"Colleen."

"They let 10 girls go yesterday" Here lately since the war ended, woman have been loosing their jobs left and right.

"Did they say why?"

"Because 10 more GI's got discharged." She fluffs the pillows and lies down on the bed. "I had to show a guy from Canarsie how to use a ribbon gun." Its terrible, the world we live in. Woman are seen as less than men, and are forced out of there jobs to make room for them. "Oh I think I have tuberculosis..." Oh dear... that may explain why she has been feeling under the weather lately.

"Thanks by the way, you lent this to me last night while you were at work." Stephanie had barfed all over my sweater in the evening, and before Colleen had left, she let me wear it. She waves it off.

"It looks better on you, ya know. Its something that might catch a mans eye. Say on a date...maybe with a certain fella down the hall..."

"Don't hold your breath." I say. I don't know if he feels the same way, and anyhow we're really good friends. I go to the closet and get my gun to put in my bag. I've had it hidden in a small storage box this whole year. "Especially with tuberculosis." She laughs.

"You know theres a difference between and Independent woman and a spinster. "I walk out of the closet and pick up Stephanie, thankfully she's still sleeping.

"Is it the shoes?" she laughs again. "Clock out, pull the curtains and sleep. Peggy's orders." I grab the nappy bag for poppet and turn to Colleen.

"Okay, but remember if I don't see you, we're going to the movies on Saturday. I have the night off."

"I'll try this time, but you know the office may try to keep me busy."

"Peg, you're working at the phone company, it ain't life and death." At this Steph begins to stir in my arm and snuggle closer.

"Darling... you have no idea." We laugh one last time and then I head out of the door.

Daniels POV:

When I get into the office this morning, theres more buzz than usual. Dooley keeps walking in and out of his office, and the other agents are walking around, answering phones, and writing up reports. Next thing I know, chief walks past me to the elevator.

"Hey look who decided to show up today."

"I'm here everyday Krizminski."

"Not true. You're not here on weekends." I get to my desk, set my crutch aside, and sit down. "Plus you've been skipping out."

"What? No I haven't." This guy is such a pain in my ass.

"Thompson confirmed it earlier. Is it true? You got a dame on your arm, Sousa?" I take a deep breath, let it out, and roll my eyes. "Hey, this is your chance. If you don't have one, then your luck might be changin'"

"What are you rambling on about?"

"We're getting a new secretary, maybe shes your type.. Hell, you could probably lure her in the file room and make a move." He laughs

"What? I thought we were getting a new agent today, not a secretary..."

"Whatever. Lady Agent, secretary, same thing." Lady Agent...? Before I can say anything else, Dooley walks in, and hes not alone. Holy shit...

"Alright, listen up. I have an announcement to make." As the chief speaks, the new agent and I lock eyes, and I'm not sure which one of us is more in shock. "This is our new agent, Agent Carter, from the Brooklyn office in New York." Brooklyn office? It was shut down 6 months ago, where- oh, she was pregnant with Stephanie. Stephanie, whose fathers name was Steve... Oh my god. Steve Rogers, as in Captain America, is Stephanie's father; and shes inherited part of the serum. That explains her strong smacking and flailing arms. I can see Peggy in instant panic, the moment she sees me. Dooley shows her where her desk is and she gets to work, but every eye in the office keeps staring for several minutes before they, too, get to work. God dammit, how could I have been so stupid..? It doesn't take long for her to slip a note to me to meet her in the file room.

"You can't tell anyone about Stephanie." Wow, okay, right to the punch. "Daniel, please, no one can know who her father is." I can see it in her eyes how worried she is. Does she not trust me to not say anything?

"Of course I won't say anything, Peggy." She breaths a sigh, leans back, and closes her eyes. When she opens then, she glances at me, and then away.

"I've been doing so well, what with keeping the identity of her father secret, I don't want anyone to know."

"Thats okay, I get it. I promise I won't tell anyone." She looks at me, as if shes analyzing me, looking for any lies or alternate motives, I guess she not finding any. Which makes sense, cause I have none.

"I had no idea you worked here, Daniel."

"Yeah, well... I do my best to keep my work life and personal life separate. And for the most part, its been working, but..."

"Now I'm here." It wasn't a question, as much as it was a statement. I nod my head and look away.

"I'm sorry..."

"For what?" I finally look at her.

"I appear to always be intruding in your life, and I apologize for that." she gives a dry chuckle. "But you are right to do so. To keep work and personal separate, I think we both need to do that." And my heart is starting to sink. I was afraid of this the moment I saw her in the office. I was afraid we'd grow apart because we wouldn't see each other, now its the opposite, we're going to see each other none-stop. I look down at the ground and nod my head.

"I agree. Complete strangers. We've never met before today and we don't mean anything to the other." I breath a sigh, and her head turns so fast to me, it looks like she had whip lash.

"Right. Complete strangers..." She looks like shes thinking of something. She tilts her head to the side as she bites the corner of her lip... dammit Daniel. I back away from her and turn away.

"Daniel? Where are you going?

"To my post Agent, or did you forget we have work?" She looks offended and shakes her head.

"Daniel..." She looks upset as she starts to walk closer.

"Sorry, I just.. need a minute to process this." She furrows her brows and glances way for a second. "I need a minute to process going from friends to nobody I'm suppose to care about in an instant."

"Nobody- Daniel." She looks appalled and grabs my arm. "What-"

"Well well well, look what we have here." Dammit Thompson. "You two seem nice and cozy. What are you doing down here?" Peggy immediately drops her hand and backs away slightly, and as subtly, as she could.

"Agent Sousa was just showing me the filing system,hes been very helpful."

"Well I bet he has..." She looks between us both confused, but doesn't say anything." Well since you're down here, why don't you put these away for me?"He hands them to me. "See just how much more help Sousa can be." And with that he walks away.

"What an ass." I say

"What an arse" she says. We both say it at the same time. I look over at Peggy and she looks at me, and we both laugh.

Peggy's POV:

After several hours of being at work, I am in complete agony. I miss my daughter. What I wouldn't give to be home right now. I sit at my desk with a report in hand and a pencil in the other. Around and around I spin it, over and over again I read the same damn sentence. Ugh... I look in front of me, and I can see Daniels back turned. I still can't believe he works at the SSR. As I begin to get my mind set back to work, the alarm blares and the red lights flash. I look up and then at Daniel, and our eyes meet. Somethings happening. I get up from my seat and gather some papers, when suddenly the Chief and the others walk to the meeting room.

"Agent Carter, we just caught a red ball out of DC, all hands on desk." I start to gather supplies when he says, "Meaning, cover the phones." Wanker... I grab my telephone and dial up Rose from the entrance.

"Rose? Forward all calls to the briefing room." She agrees and I set down the phone. "Covered, Shall we?" As we head to head to the conference room, Dooley begins to play a film, a film about Howard.

"So far, six pieces of Stark technology have either shown up on the black market or in the arsenals of enemy states. Hes been waffling on the hill. Treating the whole thing like a joke. And yesterday was his final day of hearings. Stark didn't show." Good Lord Howard, I'm going to kill you if I ever see you again. "We've checked his half-a-dozen houses, his half-a-dozen offices. Nothing." He's such an idiot that man. I look away from the chief and look at Daniel, he has no idea what really is going on..." So as of this moment, Howard Stark is a fugitive from justice. Find him. Squeeze him. Till he looses his sense of humor. Thompson you lead." As I look over at Thompson, he starts to explain his ideas and plans, but I can't stand to listen to any more.

"Sir, I really must object-"

"Why am I not surprised." I internally sigh of frustrations. I already know where this is headed..

"Sir, I knew Howard Stark during the war, his help was invaluable. He may be a great many things, but hes not a trader." As I say this I glance at Daniel, whose eyes are glued to me. I look away as the chief speaks.

"We're all aware of your record Agent. I'm sure being Captain Americans...liaison... brought you into contact with all sorts of interesting people. But the Wars over. Let the professionals decide with whats gonna happen." And with that the meeting ends, of course, not without some gossip and rude slander about me and men during the war. Ugh, men are such pigs... But what I didn't expect was Daniel to speak up.

"What did you just say Krizminski?"

"I wasn't talking to you." I close my eyes and take a deep breath. This is going to be a very long day...

"I think you owe the lady an apology."

"Oh. You standing up for her now, Sousa? Well c'mon I ain't got all day." I look away before I lash out at this oaf. Little do you know the strength this man has you utter wanker. Hes worth 10 of you, at least. Krisminski and the others leave, which just leaves Daniel and myself. When he starts to walk by, I say something; something I hope he won't take offence to.

" Agent Sousa, about what you just did..."

"Oh that? It was noth-"

"I wish you hadn't," I say plainly. We have to keep up a front with our co workers, and with Daniel defending me, they could get suspicious.

"You're an Agent and they treat you like a secretary. I just wanted to-"

"And I'm grateful." I smile. "But I'm more than capable at handling whatever these adolescents throw at me." We lock eyes, and my heart starts to skip a beat...

"Yes ma'am. Doesn't mean I have to like it though."

"Well thats another thing we have in common." As we stand there, Thompson approaches us, and of course, he hands me files to put away. Arse.

"I would file these away, but you're so much better at that sort of thing. Ya know, cause you're a woman." I glance at Daniel, briefly, and I can see him getting angry.

"Better at what, Agent Thompson? The alphabet? I could teach you. Lets start with words beginning with 'A'" He laughs and walks away.

"Good one." I look at him and can't help but smile. Oh this is going to be so difficult pretending to not know him at all; let alone ignore how I feel... We both head to our desk and start working again. Before I know it, its 4 'O clock. Oh thank God. I put away my files, grab my coat, and head over to the Jarvis's. Little does Howard know, I've met them several times, and have asked them to never tell Howard about her. As far as they know they are babysitting my niece, whom, I'm taking care of while her parents are away. I hate all of this lying, especially to good people, but no one can know the truth. When I pick up Stephanie, I feel a weight lift off of my chest, I can finally go home with my little girl. And, I don't have to make dinner. The Jarvis's graciously made a roast for me and Colleen, but since it is large enough, I'll invite Daniel over. I leave a note under his door. Hours go by and he knocks at the door.

"Daniel." I walk over to him and embrace him. I've wanted to do this all day. He hold me close, and the Steph begins to giggle. We both laugh. She reaches for him and gables her baby talk. I hand her over and invite him inside.

"So, I hear you have a roast." he says, snuggling with poppet.

"Indeed we do." As we sit down and eat together, I can't feel more at peace.

#peggysous #peggy carter #daniel sousa #Peggy x Daniel #agent carter #agent carter series #au fanfic #fanfiction

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saturnmyg · 6 years

Text

The devil wears givenchy (2) | Min Yoongi

❝ You’re a therapist who one day gets a call from someone who claims to be satan asking for an appointment. On the day of the appointment you expect to see a teenager or someone in their mid twenties instead you’re met with a man in a screaming red suit whose hair and eyes are as dark as the night but with an attitude of a spoiled brat, he surely cant be satan. ❞

➵ paring: Satan! Yoongi x Therapist reader

➵ A/n: my tired dumbass forgot to add some of the stuff i wrote on my phone so i had to delete the pos and add it so the story makes sense

| warnings in this chapter : cursing, mention of death, unlawful arrest

Previous / Next

Masterlist

⤑ ⤑ ⤑ ⤑

‘’ma’am we’d like to question you on where you were yesterday when the murder happened next door‘'Asks the shorter of the two.

He has brown blondish hair with green eyes and a face that you instantly can tell that he used to, or maybe still is, a fuckboy/player. The taller, who has shoulder length hair and hazel eyes, meanwhile looks like a guy who'd apologize if someone else poured soup into his lap. Ever since you've opened the door he's been wearing this uncomfortable expression, which you cant blame him though, because right now you do look like a beast who's hibernation sleep was disrupted.

You stare at them blankly ‘’aren't you two too old to be playing pranks on people like this?’’

Almost as if they were expecting that answer, they simultaneously pull out their badges. ‘’Ma'am this is a serious issue, you have to come with us’’

One thing you've always have hated is the police. They were never there to help your family, and as a drug dealer you saw how unjust they acted. Putting your friends into jail while the rich brats who committed serious crimes only got sentenced to be on a six month parole.

Basically they're bastards in your eyes and nothing will ever convince you otherwise.

‘’Do you have a warrant?’’ you ask raising your eyebrow

‘’Thats not importan-’’

‘’It is’’ you interrupt ‘’unless you have a warrant you cant take me anywhere , go check the camera footages of the places I've been i'll even give you the number of various people that can testify that i was at work during that time.’’

The shorter police officer pinches the bridge of his nose and sighs deeply before looking at the taller one. They nod at each other and the hairs on your neck raise at that action. Before you can even jump back the taller one grabs you by the arms twists them behind your back and you feel the cold metal of the handcuffs on your skin. He grips your arm so tight you're sure it will leave bruises later on. As he drags you out of your apartment the shorter one comes to your right side and gives you a pitiful look.

''Sorry lady we're just doing our job''

Sighing deeply, you glare at the one still holding your arm. For a second the thought of how you could you sue them with the claim that the unlawful arrest traumatized you and how you could make some pretty good money, flashes through your head. But you decide to not do that, there's no reason to get into more trouble with the police than you already are in. Also the claim wouldn't even work because you we're pretty aggressive from the get go, meaning that the judge would've instantly known that you're trying to scam them, which would result in either jail time or a hefty fine.

You huff slightly as the taller one harshly pushes you into the car while the other one already gets into the passengers seat. The car smells like vomit mixed with baby powder and you're disgusted. You're pretty sure these guys have never cleaned the car throughly and a shiver runs down your spine just at thought of whatever you could be sitting in.

Giving up, you lean your head forwards and close your eyes. Slowly counting from a hundred to one while in the background some country song is playing which only adds to your misery.

Twenty minutes later you're escorted into the busy police department. The color of the walls reminds you of vomit, literally, its a bleached out neon yellow that contrasts too much with the green metal bars of the cells that are on the right side of the room.

Looking around you see that at least you're not the only ''criminal'' who looks raggedy. Just like you most of the accused ones getting interrogated have the same annoyed expression on and you sigh deeply.

The police officer behind you pushes you towards a table where a muscular back is faced in your direction.

‘’Jeon’’ the officer on your right calls out and the person at the desk turns around. He's a doe eyed man with a strong nose. He seems to be in his early twenties, sporting a coconut hairstyle, which weirdly suits him.

‘’Suspect of the case from yesterday night’’ The other office speaks up and pushes you down on the chair.

Jeon looks down at you and raises his eyebrows, not expecting to see someone in their pajamas, who looks like they have been through hell and back. He nods and the other police officers leave, the taller one with the shaggy hair , puts his hand on your shoulder as if to comfort you or maybe say goodbye, you aren't sure. Though you do feel disgusted that he touched your for more than it was necessary and you shrug his hand off you.

The noise of the chair scrapping along the floor rips you out of your concentration and you look over to where jeon is sitting. Theres a dumb grin on his face as he's opening the files on the table and you're instantly ticked off. This guy hasn't even talked yet and you already wanna strangle him, his whole demeanor screams of someone whose lowkey a know it all and is smug about it.

‘’It’s not everyday you see a criminal in satin pajamas’’ Jeon speaks up ,pointing at your clothes ‘’but really though, it looks like you have a lot of money, so what in the hell are you doing killing people out here, got bored with life? needed more actio-’’

‘’I want to speak to my lawyer’’ you interrupt looking at him with a blank face. Besides the fact that they detained you with no rightful claims ,you also have to deal with this frat boy looking guy whose three braincells seem to be struggling to even get him to breath normally.

So you're going to call your good friend , Jung Hoseok.

Jeon sighs as if he already expected you to say that, turns the phone on the desk so that it faces you. ‘’go ahead.’’

After dialing the number you look at the clock and see that its 10 am and silently pray that Hoseok picks up the phone. Since he usually sleeps like the dead till late afternoon on weekends you're not sure if he'll even hear the phone ring. It wouldn't surprise you though if he didn't pick it up, cause this wouldn't be the first time he basically left you for the dead.

Looking up you see Jeon still sitting on the other side of the desk and raise an eyebrow. ‘’Can i have some privacy?’’

The young police officer doesn't answer and clicks his tongue instead before getting up and walking into another room that seems to be the department's kitchen ,and you turn your focus back to the phone.

After the fifth ring you hear a click and a deep groggy voice bark into the phone ‘’what?’’

‘’Hey’’ you drag the word out ‘’its me y/n-’’

‘’Yes i guessed that by your voice, what do you want?’’

‘’So remember how you said you'd help me if i ever was arrested? so uhh so apparently your time to shine has come’’ you almost stutter out. Its not that you're afraid of Hoseok but lets just say no one talks to him in the morning until he's in a better mood. For whatever reason he always wakes up really pissed and snaps at anyone in his vicinity and from the looks of it , you're the victim today.

You hear a thud and then bedsheet rustling and you put your hand in front of your mouth to block out the snicker that escapes your mouth.

‘’you almost made me fall out of bed, what in the hell did you do now? don't tell me you finally killed that boy from the bakery, you know that there are-’’

‘’Jesus christ Hoseok, no!’’ you interrupt and sigh deeply ‘’you know the boys next door? they got murdered and now I'm at the police station because these idiots think I've done it, despite having no actual backup for that claim.’’

‘’An unlawful detention’’ Hoseok states and you can practically see him furrowing his brows.

''basically, so i need your help, please i'll even buy you those space shuttle looking ass shoes you want’’ you plead

‘’They're called Balenciagas have some respect, but give me twenty minutes and ill be there, its the police department thats around twenty minutes from your place?’’

‘’God i could kiss you right now, and yes it is, seriously thank you’’ you sigh

‘‘Gross’‘ Hoseok says and you can hear the disgust in his voice , and he hangs up.

While you're waiting for Hoseok to arrive ,you continue to look around the police department. The man behind the green bars is now awake, his body swaying to the tune he's singing, while he has this dumb grin on that every drunk person has at some point, and you turn away . On the walls you notice there a pictures scattered of the officers that work in this department, some with quotes underneath that say something along the lines of ''have fun with life!'', as if to make it seem like this is a cool and peppy place to be.

Grimacing you look away, let out a quiet ‘’yikes’’ while raising your eyebrows before your eyes fall on the small corner section thats the department kitchen. You see Jeon leaning against the counter, his head low as he's starring at his phone whole the other hand is holding a bitten bagel. To your horror you see that he's eating it straight with no dressing or whatsoever and you wanna scream out loud.

Before you can even say anything, the little bells on the main entrance jingle and you turn your head to see Hoseok frantically walking towards you. His whole appearance is disheveled as he stands in front of you heaving like an asthmatic chain smoker , before taking a chair and sitting down next to you.

‘’I want the premium ones’’ Hoseok speaks up not letting you greet him ‘’so tell me what happened’’

‘’The boys next door got murdered’’

‘’Where were you during that time?’’ Hoseok asks

‘’Look i don't know what time they died, when i came home i could hear the music still blasting’’

‘’Tell me yesterday's schedule then’’ Hoseok continues

‘’I woke up the usual time, which is around six thirty, went to work and stayed there till seven, then went to the convenient store thats the closest to my place because i’m a dumbass who still hasn't bough her groceries and went home’’ you answer.

‘’Any witness?’’

‘’Secretary Kim’’ is your immediate answer ‘’he was there the whole day and there should be camera footage that we can use, oh and the girl at the cash register from the convenient store, her name is Hyunjin or something like that, she has turquoise hair’’

Hoseok taps his finger against his cheek multiples times before he gets up and loudly says ‘’Whose the officer overseeing my client?’’

Several heads turn to face you two at hoseok's question and you see Jeon walking towards you. ‘’Thats me’’

Hoseok scrutinizes Jeon , a displeased expression on his face before he stretches out his arm and points at you ‘’why was my client detained?’’

‘’She's under investigation for possible murder’’

‘’An unlawful arrest’’ Hoseok counters

Jeon crosses his arms over his chest and rolls his eyes ‘’Its not unlawful she-’’

‘’Do you have any evidence that she's the murderer?’’ Hoseok interrupts

‘’No but we're looking for i-’’

‘’So you're telling me you handcuffed her, dragged her to this place ,despite the fact that she already answered the officers question at her home ,and you don't even have one shred of evidence that could link her back to the boys besides that she was their neighbor?’’ Hoseok raises an eyebrow

‘’We didn't want her to have the possibility to run away’’

‘’She would have been gone by the time the police had arrived’’ Hoseok retorts, clearly annoyed ‘’meanwhile until they have finished checking the camera footage we will deny every accusation'' he continues and kind of slams his hand down on the table ''If this investigation lasts longer than 36 hours we will file a civil suit for unlawful restraint and a violation of her civil liberties’’

Jeon just sighs deeply , tongues his cheek before he walks away, clearly not having any of this but you don't feel bad for him. Thats what he gets for even deciding to work in the police force.

Hoseok sits down again and sighs deeply ‘’you have some of the worst karma ive ever seen’’

With a wry smile you hold up your handcuffed hands ‘’i mean , you could say i’m living my orange is the new black fantasy’’

‘’ha ha ha’’ Hoseok laughs monotone ‘’But seriously though this is a fucked up situation and I've seen the type of shit you have done’’

Hoseok is kind of an childhood friend. Hoseok's father worked as as a lawyer for your ex boss, until he died of an incurable illness and Hoseok was taken under the bosses wing. Even as a child Hoseok already had a brilliant and eccentric mind, which he used in helping them with lawsuits. Never actually participated in court since he was a minor and couldn't act as an attorney. He then continued to go to college to study criminal justice and graduated on top of his class. Till today his clients consists of gang members in which he impressively has won many cases.

But then again this is Hoseok we’re talking about, he's slick as a whistle.

After you left ,you and Hoseok kept in touch, mainly because you were paranoid that something would happen and you'd end up in the exact situation you currently are in. Although for some reason Hoseok refuses to accept cash from you, and instead wants you to buy him stuff that he either cant afford or doesn't want to spend money on.

‘’Let me just do the paper works then’’ Hoseok murmurs , picks up the suit case ,puts it on his knees and opens it before taking out a file. Taking the mechanical pencil from his brown suit pocket and tapping it against the paper.

...................

Its been four hours since you arrived at the police station. Bored out of your mind you stare at your cuffed hands and try to move them. You wince at the sharp pain on your wrist and sigh. At this point you've already went through the seven stages of grief and currently you're at dissociation. Hoseok, who has finished the paper works, is meanwhile starring intensively at his phone like he's trying to solve the Da Vinci code.

Tapping your foot against the floor in a fast rhythm , you turn your head towards the main entrance just to see the two police officers from earlier strolling in.

‘’The footage shows that you're not the criminal’’ The taller one says while the smaller one roughly yanks your hands towards him.

‘’Careful’’ you bark out and hiss when the cuffs fall from your wrists. Slowly you rotate your hands, stretching out your fingers as your lets your joints crack.

‘’Are you the officers that arrested her?’’ Hoseok asks and gets up to stand next to you.

‘’yes’’ the taller one responds

‘’What are your names?’’ Hoseok asks, picking up the notepad from the table.

‘’Jesse and Roscoe Fitzgerald’’

‘’I see’’ Hoseok says ‘’brothers huh’’ he continues to scribble his number down, clicks his mechanical pencil twice and you're not sure if you're just seeing things or if for a millisecond the butt of the pencil really just glimmered red.

Hoseok rips off the page and hands it to the officers ‘’you will be hearing from me shortly’’ and puts his hand on your back between your shoulder blades and softly pushes you towards the entrance.

The minute you're outside in the parking lot you turn towards hoseok with an expression of disbelieve and laughter ‘’did you really just video tape them?’’

Hoseok just glances at you and opens the car door ‘’this thing has been recording everything ever since i stepped a foot into that place’’

‘’That's illegal’’ You say, and get into the passengers seat

‘’Not when it can be used for court’’ he replies and fixes the rear view mirror.

⤑ ⤑ ⤑ ⤑

‘’Thank you for coming on such a short notice’’ Yoongi says, his hands clasped behind his back. ‘’As you've noticed we're basically drowning in work, which is why i came up with this idea’’ He presses the button on the small remote control in his hand and a blue print of an abandoned building appears on the wall behind him.

‘’Fifth’’ Yoongi addressees the fifth judge.

The fifth judge is a tall broad man, with a dark beard and round face that comically gives out his kind disposition. Originally he was the first judge but then got transferred to be the fifth for being too lenient on the souls.

‘’I heard your hall and tenth’s are the only places that aren’t having troubles’’

The judge sighs loudly ‘’i wouldn't say that’’ he answers with a groggy voice ‘’its thanks to my assistant that we can minimize the work but there's always something going wrong, cant speak for tenth though’’

‘’Well thats normal’’ the first speaks up ‘’we’ve always had a lot of work to do’’

‘’Doesn't mean its necessary’’ Yoongi replies and faces the projection behind him ‘’This is one of the warehouses that's currently empty, this is where we'd put the new interns in’’

‘’We don't have the time to train them’’ The first judge continues. The first judge unlike the fifth, is a small man with a stern face and a white goatee beard. Yoongi particularly dislikes him mainly because he's always opposing his ideas but then never actually comes up with any solutions.

Basically acts typically like every old person.

Yoongi closes his eyes for a second, noticing that his anger is growing and counts to ten before he continues. ‘’I was getting to that part’’ and sends the elderly man a pointed look. ‘’We'll have to sacrifice multiples of our workers and work overtime for a while, but they would be training the interns’’

‘’What if they suddenly quit?’’ The tenth speaks up.

‘’thats a good question’’ Yoongi replies ‘’the whole training program would be an insight on what their job would be like, of course there'd be different sections to fit each of the ten departments but-’’

‘’That way they could decide to quit beforehand and spare us from wasting time’’ she continues

‘’Exactly’’ Yoongi points at the papers laying on the table before each judge. ‘’If you look on the paper you'll see that the estimate of workers that each of us would have to send is around 30 to 40 percent’’

‘’How long will the building be ready for the trainee's’’ The first judge asks

‘’Maximum six months, we'll have to come up with the training plan, the building needs to be renovated too, plus we need to find demons who are willing to work’’ Yoongi answers.

‘’Speaking of demons’’ The tenth judge speaks up. He's a fairly tall man with umber colored skin and a goatee like beard but only that he doesn't have the mustache. Yoongi doesn’t work with him as much as with the others mainly because the tenth is the last one to send the souls up to heaven, meaning he has the least amount of workload.

‘’What are we going to do about the demons that are going rampant here and in the human world?’’

‘’technically seen our duty is only to judge the souls’’ the voice of the seventh judge is heard, a huge red fan hiding most of her face. Its been said that the seventh judge is a beauty but no one has actually ever seen her face. ‘’ the only one who has enough power to discipline and who the demons will actually listen to is you’’ she points a dainty finger at Yoongi

‘’Ill deal with that later’’ Yoongi answers ‘’but thats it for today, please carefully read the documents and make your preparations as fast as possible.’’

The judges stand up , bow slightly before leaving the meeting room.

The percent of the demons rampaging in the human world has skyrocketed in the last few weeks. Its like as if they're all looking for the same thing, treasure hunt style. A competition on who gets ,whatever it is they're looking for, the fastest. And honestly its been stressing yoongi out.

‘’I guess the meeting went well?’’ a honey voice echoes through the room and yoongi turns around to see his advisor leaning against the door frame. Its Park Jimin, a demon with looks that rivals any model, to the point where if he didn't have a single horn coming out of his forehead Yoongi would have thought that he's an incubus.

‘’Beardy was trying to argue again’’ Yoongi replies while rolling his left shoulder

‘’Thats because he's old’’ Jimin says ‘’you tend to lose or not care about how you come off to other people the older you get, which by the way reminds me i forgot to ask how the counseling session went’’

Yoongi glances at Jimin ‘’besides the fact that the counselor looked like a teacher who works in a private christian boarding school , it was good’’

Jimin raises his eyebrows at the description ‘’well at least she did her job’’

‘’She sure did’’ Yoongi answers and picks up the document from the table before walking up to Jimin ‘’she's actually the one who came up with the whole training regiment, she unexpectedly has a sharp business insight’’

Jimin hums as he's walking next to yoongi down the hallway ‘’she'd be a great addition to have’’

‘’Already asked her that she declined’’ Yoongi counters and they round the corner ‘’don't think you're off the hook though''

‘’Why?, her methods clearly are functioning since you've haven't blown up yet’’ Jimin answers with a smug smile

‘’Yeah cause the counseling was literally a day ago’’ Yoongi rolls his eyes

‘’Thats a miracle considering you'd blown up if you didn't find your pencil in 3.5 seconds’’ Jimin replies and opens the door to Yoongi's office

Yoongi's office is elegant. One side of the room has a dark wooden wall which is where the heavy mahogany desk is. Yoongi actually wanted to put an indoor waterfall by that wall but jimin stopped him, saying that there would be no use for it anyways and it would just cost unnecessary amount of money, counting out the water bill that would come cause of the constant stream.

Yoongi finds the room gorgeous, jimin on the other hand finds it looks too much like an office of a mob boss that you'd see in a movie. The only thing thats missing would be an old vinyl player ,playing some classical music, probably something that would match the cliché decor and vibe, like Shostakovich's string quartet no.8

‘’Cause theres a regiment that needs to be followed which you all clearly aren't’’ Yoongi replies and walks over to his desk.

‘’Anywho’’Jimin ignores Yoongi's reply ‘’the meeting with the heads of the cold hell has been postponed because of a blizzard’’

⤑ ⤑ ⤑ ⤑

‘’They did what?’’ your friend Jieun slams her hand on the table.

You're sitting in a dainty little coffee thats located in the shopping centre. The whole decoration is cutesy and pink. White abstract cupid angels that are made out of pipes are hanging on the wall. In the background a poppy song is playing. , that sounds like its from kyary pamyu pamyu,

This whole environment really isn't your style. Not that you hate pink or anything, you get why it appeals to people but its just not up your ally. The only thing that looks cute to you are the uniforms the waitresses are wearing ,which color combination are pink and orange with small peaches on the apron on the skirt.

Your friends like to joke and say that you're kind of like a modern day morticia addams, which to some extent you are in the way that you basically only wear black but if the real morticia would see your apartment she'd probably have a heart attack.

Just like anyone else who walks into your place for the first time

But after yesterdays mishap, or lets just say arrest, Hoseok drove you home and the minute you stepped into your apartment, the fatigue caught up on you and you feel asleep instantly. To which you woke up at three o'clock in the night and basically fucking up your whole sleeping schedule.

‘’Stop shouting’’ you hiss at Jieun ‘’people are already starring’’

‘’Whatever’’ Jieun waves her hand dismissively ‘’So they just dragged you to the police department like some sort of dog?’’

‘’Yup’’ you answer and take a sip of your smoothie

‘’And they only let you go after four plus hours, with the ‘’ups my bad haha’’ excuse?’’

You nod

‘’How are you not outraged?’’ Jieun asks bewildered ‘’you're planning to do something against them right?’’

‘’Jieun’’you sigh ‘’clearly i'm going to do something cause uh, fuck the police , but at the same time its out of my hands cause hoseok is in the picture’’

‘’Hoseok?’’ Jieun tilts her head ‘’what did he do now?’’

‘’Apparently the pencil in his suit pocket was video taping everything the moment he stepped into the police station, so i assume he's using that as evidence or whatever’’

A grin overtakes Jieun's expression and she leans back into her seat ‘’that slick ass motherfucker’’

Jieun's appearance is misleading. She has red dyed hair, freckles and a gummy smile ,that makes her look like an angel, yet she swears like a sailor. Hell even her mannerism are something that society deems as ''unladylike''. But thats something you love about her, she's always straight up without actually being hurtful but also respects peoples choices. You met her in college actually, she was your tutor in your senior year and its basically thanks to her that you manage to graduate with good grades, you continued to stay in contact and thats how you two became best friends.

‘’By the way’’ You speak up ‘’how's work?’’

‘’Ugh don't remind me’’ Jieun groans ‘’the models we're currently working with are even more stuck up than you and keep barking commands at us like we're maids’’

‘’Well have you talked to their manager?’’ you ask ignoring the dig at you.

‘’What can he do? he's a wimpy guy and they don't listen to him, i honestly feel bad for the guy but sometimes i wanna snap on him’’ she answers and takes a bite off her cake

‘’Is it too late to change the models?’’ you ask

‘’Mhm yeah pretty much , since the clothes fit them quite well and we don't have the time to get the rejected models since we have to meet the deadline.’’

‘’Sounds tough’’ you hum

‘’Well its whatever’’ Jieun replies and shrugs her shoulders '' besides yesterday’s fuckery whats been going on with you?’’

‘’nothing much, been thinking of redecorating my place’’

''Good, sorry but that place looks like forever twenty one designed it and i honestly don't know how you haven't lost your mind cause of it’’

you shake your head and laugh ‘’oh but this will sound weird as hell but i have been noticing something’’

‘’Oh?’’ Jieun raises an eyebrow and leans in close

‘’So basically lately I've been encountering people that have this really off vibe’’ you start

''Off vibe?''

‘’Yeah , like soulless you know? They have this vacant look in their eyes, even if they're smiling and it sends a shiver up my spine, and then on top of that they are good looking but to the point where its creepy.’’

''Oh wow'' Jieun replies

‘’Like i ordered a pizza few days ago, cause i forgot to buy groceries again, you know the usual- ‘’

‘’Thats a bad habit'' Jieun interrupts and points at you

''Yeah well i'm here for a good time not a long time’’ you answer and roll your eyes ‘’anyways so the delivery guy finally arrives and i kid you not he had the exact same vibe, as a matter of fact he's the first one i noticed who has that whole ''thing'' going on.’’

‘’So?’’

‘’so i accidentally touched his hand when i gave him the money and his skin was cold’’

‘’Maybe he just has a low body temperature’’ Jieun says and cuts a piece of the cake with her fork

‘’No jieun you don't understand, it was cold like a dead body’’

Jieun stops in her tracks and slowly looks up to you ‘’how do you know how cold a dead body is?’’

‘’Whatever thought is in your head get it out okay’’ you wave your hand dismissively ‘’his temperature was so low as if he died of hyperthermia ,it was honestly creepy and disgusting’’

‘’So-’’ Jieun puts the fork down and counts off her fingers ‘’vacant stare, too good looking to the point of creepiness, cold body, what else?’’

‘’Sleazy personality or full on listless’’ you continue

‘’Sounds like a demon to me’’ she says and continues to eat.

Another thing about Jieun is that she has always been intrigued by otherworldly beings, such as angles, aliens, you name it, she’ll probably have the whole wikipedia site memorized.

you blink at her ‘’sure right and i'm Mary the virgin’’

‘’Literally every description of a demon is that they're good looking, yet soulless and they give off this vibe of uneasiness. so yeah I'm pretty sure that were demons’’ Jieun says and you can see it on her face that she totally believes whats coming out of her mouth.

‘’Lets hypothetically say they're demons , what would they even be doing in the human world?’’ you ask leaning against the table

Jieun shrugs her shoulders ‘’i don't know, kill humans? look for souls? who knows’’

A memory of yoongi ranting about demons going rampant flashes through your head and you shake the thought off, he was just using religion as a metaphor right? though you did notice how weird he acted at the end of the session.

‘’Anyways’’ you say, deriving from the topic ‘’i need new clothes so lets go before the shop close’’

‘’Aight let me just finish this cake and we can go’’ Jieun says and stuffs a big piece into her mouth.

Snorting at how her cheeks protrude out, you get up and walk over to the counter. Behind the counter stands a woman in your age, thats listless scrolling through her phone. Her whole posture contradicts with the place, almost as if she's tired being here but you don’t blame her, instead you clear your throat to get her attention. Slowly she raises her head and her eyes widen big as saucers when she sees you and she puts the phone instantly down.

‘’I'm so sorry!’’ she says with a panicked expression, probably afraid that you're going to have her call her manager out and complain about the customer service

‘’No no its alright’’ you smile and wave your hand dismissively ‘’id like to pay though’’

While you're telling the cashier what you and jieun ordered, jieun gets up from the table, collects the trays and puts them on the rack that is close by and walks over to where you are standing.

‘’Have a nice day'' the cashier says and Jieun smiles before winking at her ‘’you too’’

You who saw the whole ordeal just rolls your eyes , grabs her arm and drag her out of the shop.

‘’Damn can a girl flirt?’’ Jieun grumbles

You let go of her arm ‘’no, we all know that you shouldn't flirt with people working in customer service that shit is creepy’’

‘’That shit is creepy’’ Jieun mocks you ‘’thats because you're stuck up, a prude, a vir-’’

‘’Im not a virgin'' you interrupt and glare at her

‘’Are you sure?’’ Jieun raises her eyebrows ‘’why else would you dress like a modern day goth kid that used to listen to MCR or panic at the disco’’

‘’Okay first of all panic at the disco isn't exactly emo-’’

‘’They wrote one pop song and that was for big hero six and suddenly its not emo?’’ Jieun interrupts, a grin growing on her face‘’ you just proved my point''

You nudge her ‘’i don't want to hear that from someone who listens to Lana del rey and suddenly thinks they're a witch, what are you, 18?’’

Jieun just pats you on the shoulder and shakes her head ‘’not everyone has a shitty music taste like you but thats okay! humans are meant to be individuals!’’

Offended you lean away from her ‘’rude’’

Jieun just laughs, shakes her head and walks into a store that looks like they sell clothes for kids in their early twenties.

You sigh deeply and call out to Jieun, whose already inspecting black cargo pants with a long belt on it. ‘’ you do realize we're in our thirties right?’’

‘’I should be saying that with the way you dress, i'm going to make you an outfit and you're going to try it out’’ Jieun answers without even looking at you, takes a pair of the black pants and scurries to another corner of the store.

Meanwhile you're sitting on one of the small square seat that are scattered across the store and wait for your best friend to return with whatever outfit, you just hope its not colorful.

Madonna's song music is playing in the background and you're instantly catapulted back to 2000. Once your friend ,whom you rarely visited because she lived right next to your grandmother, forced you to watch the music video and after some time even you got into it and started to dance. Which on the other hand surprised your friend because she thought you'd be one of those awkward teens who had no rhythm instead you turned out to be someone who could bust out some serious moves.

‘’Okay so’’ Jieun reappears and rips you out of your thoughts. To your relief you see that the bundle of clothes she's holding are all pretty much black, though you do spot a dark green and and a checkered gray. ‘’Try these out and if they look good we'll take them''

You raise your eyebrows ‘’and i don't get a say in this?’’

‘’Hell no, otherwise you'd walk out of this place looking like a nun, and i mean like literally.’’ Jieun replies, shoves the bundles of clothes into your arms and pushes you towards the dressing rooms. Pulling the curtain close behind you, you set the garments on the small chair and strip out of your clothes.

Few minutes later you rip the curtain aside, a mixture of shock and perplex on your face. ‘’Really?’’

Jieun whose been starring at her phone finally looks up and her face lights up at your outfit. You're wearing a sleeveless crop top turtleneck and the black cargo pants from earlier. ‘’What? you look good in the outfit and i made sure its black too’’

''I mean yeah its aight b-''

‘’So whats the problem now’’ Jieun interrupts, sighs and gets closer to you

''the problem'' you continue and give her a pointed look ''is that i’m old and you got me out here dressed like some insta faux goth girl , it even has the hoop chain look!’’

‘’You do realize you have the a baby face right?, you look barely 22 and thats only if you're wearing makeup’’ Jieun replies and pinches your cheek. ‘’who did you kill to get those genes?’’

You pry her fingers away from your face ‘’thats why i have to dress my age how else will people take me serious’’

Jieun gives you a skeptic look ‘’i can guarantee you're already not getting taken serious with your usual get up’’

Instead of verbally replying you just roll your eyes and go back into the dressing room.

After you've tried out all the outfits jieun coordinated for you, you begrudgingly take them to the register. As the cashier is ringing up the items you look around the shop and see a guy standing right behind you in line. As you take in his beautiful features, a slow wave of panic and shiver overcomes you and you nudge jieun.

‘’Look’’ you hiss

Jieun lazily follows your field of view and shrugs her shoulders when she sees the man ‘’not my type’’

‘’of course not you're a les-, thats not the point what i mean is he has the same off vibe like all the other ones i told you about’’

At that jieun looks closer and her face suddenly pales and she looks back at you ‘’thats a fucking demon’’

‘’Clearly he's human'' you say and inch closer to her ‘’but i wouldn't be surprised if i hear about him tomorrow in the news’’

‘’Your total is 129.90′’ The voice of the cashier interrupts. You take out your purse and hand him the money. Not even waiting for him to bag your clothes ,you quickly stuff them into the plastic bag thats on the counter, disregard the weird look the cashier is giving you and grab your best friend by the arm. ''lets go''

Jieun just nods and with few long steps you're out of the store. You're not sure why exactly you're reacting like this, its almost as if your whole entire being is cornered by a predatory animal and theres no way to escape from it.

‘’Im 99.99999 % sure this guy is a demon’’ Jieun says ,heaving as she's having trouble keeping with your long strides.

‘’Speaking of demons ‘’you slow down your pace ‘’i got a letter today from the local shrine where my grandmother used to live and they want me to visit them tomorrow wanna tag along?’’

‘’God yes’’ Jieun replies ‘’i'll ask them to do a purification on me just to be save’’

‘’i’m finishing tomorrow at six, do you want me to pick you up from work or will you already be at home?’’ you ask

‘’Workplace’’ jieun answers ‘’by the time you're there most of the work will already be done’’ She nudges you ‘’ will you wear one of the outfits we bought?’’

‘‘Come on’‘ you groan ‘‘thats disrespectful to visit the shrine looking like that’‘

‘‘God has seen your ass naked many times , so i don’t think its that disrespectful to show up with a little bit of your stomach showing’‘ Your best friend deadpans.

‘‘So god is into voyeurism?’‘ you raise your eyebrows. Just the thought of some otherworldly being watching everything you do , is creepy as hell to you.

‘‘And i’m the disrespectful one?’‘ Jieun gasp and slaps you on the shoulder ‘‘He just watches you’‘

‘‘So if he’s watching me how is he looking after all the other humans then?’‘

Jieun shrugs her shoulders ‘’ maybe he has like a billion eyes or something’’

You shake your head ‘’ how did we go from a friendly man to some sort of creepy being that probably belongs into one of H.P lovecraft’s books’’

‘‘Lovecraft was a terrifying being’‘ Jieun says ‘‘ i mean have you seen how he looks? that guy constantly had this weird expression on, as if he starred into the abyss and found something that no human should have ever discovered’‘

‘‘You talk like you’re a vampire who has actually met him’‘ you counter

‘‘If i were id have make sure to get turned into one by the age of 22 so i could avoid having wrinkles, wouldn’t want to end up looking like Carlisle cullen ’’Jieun says and puts one hand on her cheek

‘‘Carlisle is supposed to be 23 in the movies’‘

Jieun turns her head and looks shocked at you ‘’Oh Jesus christ they did they character so so wrong ,because that man looks like moldy cheese’’

‘‘Jieun’‘ you snort and hit her on the arm ‘‘don’t be disrespectful’‘

Jieun just laughs and pushes you into another store

⤑ ⤑ ⤑ ⤑

‘‘The next appointment will be in a week’‘ you say to the elderly woman ‘‘would you like us to remind you on monday morning?’‘

‘’ yes dear’‘ she answers and smiles ‘‘ such a hard working gal , you youngsters have it hard nowadays but remember to always take a break, alright?’‘ and puts an boney hand on your arm.

‘‘Of course ‘‘ you smile and see her out.

Closing the door behind you , you walk over to where secretary Kim is sitting and lean on the reception desk ‘’Next monday on two o’clock for miss davenport’’

‘‘Noted’‘ Secretary kim answers and looks up. ‘‘I’m not trying to pry into your private life but-’‘

You sigh ‘’ its about those police officers right?’’

‘‘Correctly’‘ he answers and pushes the glasses on his face up

Not wanting to go through all the bullshit of explaining it to someone again you just quickly summarize it ‘’ they basically accused me of murder and then it turned out that i was not the murderer’’

Secretary Kim just raises his eyebrow and gives you a skeptic look, almost as if he’s judging you. Taken back by the expression on his face, you furrow your brows and lean back , tilting your head ever so slightly.

‘‘Anyways’‘ you continue braking off the tense silence that was hanging in the air for a few seconds ‘‘i’m clocking out’’

‘‘See you tomorrow’’ Secretary Kim replies and goes back to starring at the monitor.

You walk back to your office, shut your laptop off, not before saving the documents and put on your Jacket. After wrapping your scarf around your neck you pick up your purse, shut the lights off and walk out of your office. Checking your phone for the time you notice that you’re slightly late on schedule and almost run out of your workplace. Not even bothering to wait for the elevator to come you walk down the stairs in long strides hoping that you wont fall and bust your head open, which has happened once before

Finally arrived at the parking lot you walk towards your car. Opening the vehicle’s door you carelessly throw your purse into the backseat, take your phone out of your pocket before connecting it via bluetooth to the stereo. After choosing a song from your spotify , you put it onto the dashboard and drive off.

Twenty minutes later you arrive at the location Jieuns having the photoshoot. You notice that your best friend is nowhere to be seen so you just continue to chill in the car waiting for her to show up. You’ve only made the mistake once where you disturbed her during a shooting and just the sheer thought of having to experience the scolding from that day makes you have goosebumps.

‘‘How loud are you going to have the music blasting in this car’‘ Jieuns voice rips you out of your thoughts and you jump in surprise

‘‘Are you trying to kill me?’‘ you heave and clutch your chest before lowering the volume.

‘‘No but apparently you are’‘ Jieun answers ‘‘ how in the hell are you not deaf yet?’‘

‘‘Whatever’‘ You continue ‘‘ how was work?’‘

Good, something funny happened actually’’ Jieun puts the seat belt on

Driving out of the parking lot you glance over to your best friend ‘’ oh?’’

‘‘The models were bitchy as usual but the manager actually got pissed’‘

You raise your eyebrows ‘’don’t tell me he made a scene in front of you guys’’

‘‘He sure did’‘ Jieun says ‘‘ you should have seen the faces of the models , that shit was comical’‘

‘‘And humiliating too’‘ you laugh and Jieun joins in.

...........

After an hour of you two singing early 00 songs, you finally pull up to the shrine. The weather has gotten colder and you see the moon hanging high in the sky. When you get out of the vehicle you look around in awe. The huge red pillars of the gate thats towering meters above you plus the glistening of the snow gives the environment a mystical vibe. The paper lamps that are shining brightly on the porch of the shrine gives the finish touch ,almost making it look like its straight out of a fantasy book.

‘‘Not to sound like an old sentimental lady but this is breathtaking.’‘ Jieun speaks up and you both burst out laughing.

Walking through the gates you see a woman walking down the steps of the shrine towards you. She’s wearing long blue divided trousers ,that is tied tightly at the waist and a snow white garment thats tied so that the left left side of the seams are facing outside. .

‘‘Y/n?’‘ She calls out with a smile

‘‘Thats me’‘ you answer and smile back. Jieun next to you is star struck on how beautiful the girl is. She notices how the woman’s dark skin glistens slightly blue in the moonlight, how her full lips stretch over her pearly white teeth. She’s utterly beautiful and Jieun is smitten.

‘‘Please follow me, the priestess has been waiting for your arrival’‘ The beautiful woman continues , and walks ahead.

‘‘I think i just saw an angel’‘ Jieun whispers and nudges you. You just roll your eyes with a smile and follow the woman. Walking up the stairs you get a closer look at the building and see old inscriptions carved into the wood. Distracted by the sacred decoration you don’t even notice the woman pulling aside the paper sliding door , which to reveals a moderately sized room.

Besides the scriptures, to which you assume to either be poems or holy scriptures, and small statues of deities ,there isn’t much to see.

‘‘Please go ahead’‘ The woman says and bows before scurrying down the hallway.

As you walk into the room you notice another woman. Unlike the shrine maiden, as you call her, the priestess ears a dark violet colored patterned belted robe and the same blue loose trouser that you saw earlier. Her expression is friendly as she looks up from the book in her lap.

‘‘Y/n’‘ she calls out almost as if she’s known you your whole life.

Looking closer you find fine lines adoring her face and you’re instantly reminded of your grandmother. Though a sharp pain flashes through your head and you close your eyes.

Worried the priestess stands up, walks over to you with quick long strides and puts a hand on top of your head. To your surprise , you feel warm energy pooling into you and the pain ebbs away instantly and you look at her in shock.

‘‘Why don’t we sit down and have a chat’‘ She says with a gentle smile and you nod before sitting down on the floor.

The priestess sit down on the opposite side, facing you and jieun, with a serious expression ‘‘I’m sure you’re wondering why i called you here’‘

‘‘Yes’‘ you say ‘‘ i have no memory of ever being here, so i was curious what this is about’‘

The priestess sighs wistfully ‘’ Its about your grandmother’’

#bts x reader #kkreationsnet #prettyboysnetwork #bangtanbuds #btsguild #bts scenario #kpop scenarios #kpop x reader #kim namjoon x reader #kim taehyung x reader #kim seokjin x reader #jungkook x reader #jung hoseok x reader #min yoongi x reader #park jimin x reader #tdwg #demon au

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ecofinisher · 5 years

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Wedding in Japan - Chap 8

Chapter 8

https://archiveofourown.org/works/18972931/chapters/49783586

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13295790/8/Wedding-in-Japan

https://www.wattpad.com/792171332-wedding-in-japan-chapter-8

On the fourth day of their trip, Adrien sat along with Kagami in the cabin during the ride that has been slowing down a little to stop at the upcoming train station. Kagami held a Russian book on her hands, which she was reading for herself while Adrien has a magazine on his hands with a couple of sudokus to solve. "After Mariinsk there are two stations and the second one is the main station, should I look for an airport around it?" Adrien suggested making Kagami shake her head. "I have already done it and again zero flights to Tokyo" The Japanese woman replied and leaned her head back on her seat. Adrien watched the blue-haired woman with a sad face, then placed his hand over her shoulder. "We still got the Vladivostok airport, we're for sure lucky enough to get there at least one flight, even if it ends up being for one passenger" "You were willing to skip the flight just for me to get first back home?" "It's your wedding after all. I'm just a guest" Adrien acknowledged making Kagami nod. "But I wouldn't like to have my best friend away on the most important day of my life" "Right, ...." Adrien said a little hesitant. "You....probably wouldn't like me to feel hurt when you get married either, right?" "How do you mean hurt?" Kagami asked raising her right eyebrow up and move her head away from the textile of the seat. "Because the wedding is arranged?" Kagami asked the blonde which looked away from her, frightened of his crush starting to pick up hints of his available interest in her. "I know it's hard, but that's how our parents have wanted it" Kagami announced earning a nod from him. "You know I just wish you to be happy, but I can't see it happening that way," Adrien said, then Kagami leaned back on her chair thinking about his words. A few new persons passed through the cabin looking for a seat and one of them wore over his back a guitar case and looked at the two young adults sitting beside the other. "Is that seat free?" The guy asked and Adrien looked up along with Kagami to see a man in grey jeans, a white shirt with the image of a tortilla and over the shirt he wore a brown Alcantara jacket with a few symbols sewed on it. "Sure" Adrien responded at the guy, then widened his eyes as he actually discovered the face of the man. "Is that you, Luka?" The blonde asked earning a nod from raven-haired man. "Awesome, great to see you again" Adrien mentioned giving the man his hand to shake. "What brings you to Russia?" "I was giving a beneficial concert here in a French bar last day and I'm heading to China and I'm still trying to figure out what station I have to leave in the next few days" Luka explained. "You remember Marinette, right?" "Yeah, she left France because of her parent's divorce her mom took her with her to China I have heard" Adrien responded. "What happened next?" "She was back at some point in the summer vacation and she was with my sister and sometimes I was around and I got interested in her and...... today we're going out with each other, " "That's good" "And I knew you two would have got together at some point!" Luka announced making Kagami look bewildered at the raven-haired guy, then at Adrien which opened his mouth in shock.

"Uh no, she's with someone else and she's engaged" Adrien mentioned avoiding eye contact with the Japanese woman. "Oh uh....sorry" Luka apologized sitting on the bench of the train. "Uh is that a friend of yours?" Kagami whispered into the blonde's ear. "That's Juleka's older brother Luka, the guitarist of the band that performed once during that music festival at our school the last time we were together before you left France" "Okay" Kagami responded with a nod at the blonde, then her smartphone rang and she picked it up to see, it was from her mother. "Look it's my mother, I'll be out there at the corridor," Kagami said walking out of the cabin leaving the two Frenchman alone. "Uh did I miss something important?" Luka Couffaine questioned the blonde, which shrugged his shoulders. "I had shortly found out Kagami was going to marry someone else and I was invited to her wedding and per coincidence, I've encountered her in the same plane I was going with. We had from St. Petersburg another flight but we missed it and there wasn't any other airport with free spots to travel back to Japan, besides Vladivostok eventually" "Weren't you two in love with the other back a few years back at school or was I wrong?" " Yes that was right" Adrien replied. "I believe everyone else knew that beside me and Kagami, well I think she knew it too, but she was waiting for me to say it first.....I confessed it all on the last day of her days in Paris and she reciprocated it, but she already was inside the train when I had the courage to say it" "But you did it and that's what matters" "Yes but what about now?" The blonde asked. "Her parents want her to marry a guy, she probably doesn't know that long and she doesn't want to fight her parents because of that arranged betrothal and is afraid about the reaction of her parents if she would deny it" "She would never get a happy life if she has to follow her parent's words" Luka warned. "Yes but she doesn't listen to me, she just assured me it would be okay and that she would be alright." "Technically as long as she doesn't have the intention to avoid the wedding, we can't do anything to help her" "I know, " "Why exactly do you want to come to her wedding?" Luka asked. "Can you take it to see her getting married to someone else, even though you're in love with her, if still?, " The raven-haired man questioned his friend, which sighed. "I never stopped loving her. Even after not having talked to her for about six years. She still was present in my heart....I had promised her I would meet her right away when I could finally get out of my house and find a new place to live...bad is after Kagami left I still had her contact and we chatted with each other once in a while, until I lost all phone numbers including hers.... we were not able to talk to each other and of course I never got the opportunity to win her back" "Win her back?" Luka asked glancing at Adrien bewildered. "Well, I mean awake her interest in me as she had it before when we were still in Paris when younger" Adrien explained. "Nino suggested me to use this opportunity in this ride to chat with Kagami about our interests and our past, and eventually she will start to fall in love with me again," Adrien mentioned making Luka chuckle. "That's the weirdest plan I have ever heard but this gives me an idea. I'll help you two out as long as I'm here with you" "Really?" The blonde asked widening his eyes. "You think that you can help us fall in love....or well her..?" "Yeah and I don't know, what time exactly you two plan to dinner, but make sure tomorrow you invite her to dinner with you and when the timing is perfect....theres gonna be a beautiful surprise for you two, that will help you two get closer. But most importantly, you need to let the real you out, be as charming as you were around her in the past, you sure can do that, right"? Luka asked placing his hand over his shoulder looking at him, waiting for the confirmation. Adrien nodded and Luka held his fist up for the blonde to hit him with his own first, soon Kagami was back and stopped by the two and sat down next to Adrien. " Well, I don't recall a day my mother was actually worried about me besides this week" Kagami mentioned looking at Adrien. "Well, you're in s foreign place traveling all the way back home by yourself. I think it's understandable to a mother to be worried" The blonde Frenchman added making the Japanese woman nod. "If you weren't here with me it wouldn't be as bearable as it is," Kagami told the blonde, which gleamed at her comment. "I believe that this trip will pass so fast that we won't notice it" Luka explained making the two friends laugh.

#adrimi #adrami #adrigami #kagadrien #miraculous #miraculous ladybug #adrien agreste #Kagami Tsurugi #luka couffaine #updated #short update #ficupdate #fanfiction #fanfic #wattpad #ao3 #archieve of our own #ecofinisherfanfics

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foreverfangirl2011 · 6 years

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Demons of the Past Final Chapters

Hey Lovelies,

So here they are, the final chapters of Demons of the Past. Happy reading and I’ll ttyl.

Chapter 5: He’s Back

The Next Morning

I woke up to the warm sun shining in on us. I opened my eyes and saw my Bailey, sleeping soundly. I watched his chest slowly rise and fall, god it must’ve been the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. How did I get so lucky? I thought as I leaned down and gently kissed his chest. Not yet ready to get up I lay my head on his chest and snuggled into him. Just as I was drifting back off I felt him shift and put his arm around me.

“Hey you…” he says sleepily rubbing his eyes and running his fingers through his hair.

“Hey babe… still tired from last night?”

“Can you blame me? You drive me crazy, its like as soon as I start I can’t stop.”

“Is that so Mr. Dolan? I do that to you? Little old me?” I say now sitting up and straddling his lap.

“Don’t start now babe, your not strong enough yet. I can feel your legs shaking.” He was right of course, my legs were threatening to give out. We really went at it last night.

“I know, but you make me crazy too…” I reply leaning down and connecting your lips to his. He kisses back as he sits up and pulls me into his lap.

“So shower and then breakfast?” He asks breaking the kiss and resting his forehead on mine.

“Sounds perfect.”

He stands up and extends a hand to me.

“Carry me…” I pout.

“Wow I must be really good.” He says chuckling and picking me up bridal style.

“Yes you are Bailey…” I reply placing a gentle kiss on his chest. After our shower we get dressed and I start making breakfast. Bailey sets the table and then sits and waits for me. Just as I flip the last pancake I get a notification on my phone. Its from my period app reminding me to drink water. But it makes a realization suddenly dawn on me.

“Oh my god Gray did we use protection last night?” I ask setting the breakfast on the table.

“We- we must’ve, we did didn’t we?”

“I don’t remember, I mean we were definitely not drunk.”

“Yeah we had like one drink with dinner. We were talking to your mom on the phone and then we kinda had like a mini fight and then…”

“Oh god we didn’t, how could we be that careless?”

“I don’t know we just got carried away I guess…” he says running his fingers up my arm.

“Babe… this is not good.”

“Yeah but these are!” He says gesturing to the pancakes.

“Glad you like them, but I’m serious!”

“I know, listen it was just one time right. Lets not freak just yet ok? Lets just wait a while and see what happens.”

“Ok, I guess theres nothing else to do right now anyway.”

“Exactly, now lets enjoy our breakfast and then maybe go hang at the beach for a while?”

“Yeah that sounds good.”

After that day we kind of forgot about the whole issue for a while. We hung out at the beach all day and handled wedding stuff the next day. Then it was back to work as usual. We even forgot about the warning from Naidene. Bailey was picking me and dropping me off but I actually loved it. I loved getting to spend that extra time with him. A few weeks had gone by and one day I woke up one day not feeling too well. As soon as I opened my eyes I felt nauseous. I ran into the bathroom and threw up. Bailey ran in after me and held my hair back. When I was finished we both just looked at each other. In our hearts we knew what it was, but we had to be sure. We didn’t want to trust a home test so we went to a clinic. They took the test and left us alone in the room while they got the results. I just couldn’t take it anymore and I broke down into tears, my head in my hands I felt like I couldn’t breathe.

“Baby its ok, everything is going to be ok.”

“I’m so sorry Bailey, its like the worst timing. I mean with the wedding and everything-“

“Shh, its ok. I know the timing is not the greatest, but hey we both wanted this someday right?”

“I mean yeah of course.”

“So its a little sooner than we thought, but I know we can handle it. You and me together, we can do anything. I can feel it whenever I’m with you. You make me feel like I can fly, like theres nothing I can’t do. We have each other, we can do this!”

“How do you always know exactly what I need to hear? You know what your right. Its gonna be ok, we can do this. You and me, for now, forever-“

“And for always.” He says interlocking his fingers with mine and resting his forehead on mine. Just then the doctor walks back in.

“Congratulations, your six weeks pregnant!” She says handing us the results.

Once we found out about the pregnancy things changed. We had to be extra careful, we suddenly had a lot more to lose. Everything was going fine until 2 weeks before the wedding. I was at work getting ready to leave. I shut down my computer and headed to my locker to pick up my things. My heart almost stopped when I opened it. Placed on the top shelf was the ring Harrison had given to me. The one I had given back when we broke up. The ring sat on top of a small yellow envelope and there was a small piece of paper rolled up inside it. Shakily I reach for the ring and pull the paper out of it. Its a torn piece of lined paper. Written on the inside in Harrison’s handwriting is two words: I’m Back… I gasped and my knees almost gave out. Still holding the note and the ring I reached for the envelope. I opened it and fell back onto the bench behind me. Inside were pictures of me! At the cafe across the street, being dropped off and picked up by Bailey and even some standing in the kitchen in our apartment! I throw the ring in the envelope and shove it into my bag. Just then my phone rings making me jump. I look at the caller id and let out a sigh of relief as I see its just Bailey.

“Hey babe, I’m like five minutes away sorry I’m a little late traffics a bitch you know.”

“Oh ok…” I respond nervously, suddenly very anxious. I look around and realize no one is around.”

“You ok Y/N? You sound a little weird.”

“No, no I’m not ok Bailey. Somethings happened, you have to get here quickly and tell Ethan to meet us at the apartment and tell him not to leave Alicia alone!” I answer frantically running around the office looking for anyone.

“What happened? Are you alone right now?”

“Yes, I- I can’t find anyone around here! Oh my god! Oh my god where is everyone?”

“Ok just hang on, I’ll be right there. Y/N what the hell happened?”

“Its him, he’s back. He got out somehow. He left the ring he gave me in my locker and an envelope with pictures of me. Even some in our apartment! Babe please hurry, I’m really freaking out right now.

“Just stay on the line with me, everything is going to be ok.”

“Ok, babe how far are you- AAH!”

Bailey’s POV

“Y/N! Y/N!” I scream but the line cuts out before I hear an answer. Frantic I call Ethan.

“Hey bro whats-“

“Ethan no time to explain I need you right now!”

“Where?”

“Y/N’s work and bring Alicia, do not leave her alone!”

“Why whats going on?”

“Bro I told you theres no time!”

“Gray!”

“Its Harrison, somehow he got out and he’s been stalking her! I was just talking to her and she told me. Then I heard a scream and the line went dead.” I explain quickly.

“We’re on our way.” He says hanging up. 2 minutes later I pull up to her office. I dash out of the car and try the front doors but they’re locked. Son of a bitch! I think running to the back door.

Y/N’s POV

I turn around and I’m faced with Harrison. He stands across the room and starts walking towards me.

“St- stay the hell away from me!” I stammer grabbing a letter opener from a nearby desk.

“Put that down Y/N we wouldn’t want anyone to get hurt would we.”

“What the hell are you doing here? What do you want?” I say, his smug attitude turning my fear into anger.

“You. All I want is you.”

“Well you can’t have me.”

“On the contrary, because you see if I can’t have you HE can’t have you.”

“Harrison please don’t do this. Don’t do something you’ll regret.”

“SHUT UP! YOU WERE MINE AND HE TOOK YOU- HE JUST TOOK YOU FROM ME. I LOVED YOU.” He screams punching one of the tables.

“He didn’t take me Harrison! You lost me! You lost me long before he came into the picture! How can you still not understand that?!”

“I thought if I got better we could be together again. But then I saw that announcement-“

“Harrison its good that your trying to get better, but I can’t be with you again. I- I love Grayson.”

“NOOO!” He yells throwing a chair.

His outburst startles me and I drop my purse. As it falls to the ground a bottle of prenatal vitamins rolls out and lands at his feet. He bends down and picks them up.

“Are- are you…pregnant?” He asks in a low voice without looking at me.

“Ye-yes.” I stammer.

Suddenly his eyes go dark and his knuckles white. I don’t know what he’s thinking, but I take the opportunity to try and run. I take off towards the back exit in the employee locker room.

“COME BACK HERE!” I hear him scream from behind me. But I don’t stop, I just keep moving. I throw a mailing cart in his way and he stumbles. But he catches up to me in the locker room. He backs me into a locker. One hand around me neck, the other positioning a gun at me temple.

“HE DOESN’T GET TO HAVE EVERYTHING! YOU, A BABY, A LIFE TOGETHER! ITS NOT FAIR! WHAT DO I GET TO SIT ON MY ASS IN REHAB ALONE! I MAKE ONE STUPID MISTAKE AND MY WHOLE LIFE IS OVER!”

“It was more than just one mistake Harrison! You and I both know that!” I scream back with all my might.

“SHUT UP! DID I SAY YOU COULD TALK!” He says grip tightening on my neck. Tears are streaming down my cheeks and I’m racking my brain for a way out. Suddenly I realize I still have the letter opener in my hand and I try to lift it, to stab him with it anywhere. He looks down and sees what I’m trying to do, he lets go of my neck and yanks the letter opener out my hand. Then he grabs my hair and pushes me down to the ground,

“Didn’t daddy ever tell you never bring a knife to a gun fight.”

Bailey’s POV

I run to the back door and its locked too. Harrison you bastard, what am I gonna do now? I think just as I hear my name being called.

“Grayson! Gray where are you?” Ethan calls.

“Back here! Back door!” I call back running to meet him and Alicia.

“Ok what’s the situation?”

“I don’t know the bastard locked both entrances. I don’t know how we’re gonna get in there. E I don’t know what he’s doing, god forbid-“

“Stop, don’t even go there bro. We’re just gonna have to break the door down. Babe go to the car and call 911.”

“But I want to help!”

“That is helping, please you know what he’s capable of. I need to keep you safe.” He pleads, gently grazing the side of her face.

“Ok, but be careful please… I don’t want to lose you.” She replies taking his hand in hers.

“I promise I will.” He says kissing her quickly before letting her go.

“Ok Gray, on the count of 3.” He says clearing his throat and turning back to me.

“Ok. 1… 2…”

Y/N’s POV

Harrison stands over me pointing a gun at my heart. I stare into his dark eyes unsure of what to do. Is this the end? I place a hand over my stomach and a sudden rush of motherly instinct pours over me. I’m not gonna give up that easily, I have to fight for my baby. I stand up and tackle him, trying to get the gun away from him.

“Please Sonny, you don’t have to do this.” Suddenly he froze. Sonny my personal nickname for him. I used to call him that because he loved Sonny and Cher. He always listened to them while he sculpted. We even went as them for halloween one year when we were dating. He always said he was my Sonny and I was his Cher… No one ever called him that accept me. As soon as that name came out of my mouth he stopped moving. He looked me in the eyes and it was incredibly intense. It was like I could feel the pain in them. I almost felt sorry for him. Suddenly he pushed me away from him.

“I’m so sorry Cher…” he said almost under his breath, before I could say anything he put the gun to his own temple and pulled the trigger.

“NO!!!!” I screamed, his blood splattering onto my face and clothes. I ran over to him just as the back door flew open.

Bailey’s POV

“Ok, 1…2…-“ suddenly a gun shot rang out. “Y/N!!!!” I screamed before we slammed into the door. Y/N was kneeling on the floor next to him screaming.

“HARRISON! HARRISON!” She screamed shaking him and trying to check for a pulse.

“Babe what happened!” I exclaim rushing to her side.

“Bailey he shot himself! I didn’t do it, he was gonna shoot me, he was gonna-“ she burst into tears and held in her in my arms desperately trying to calm her down.

“Shh, its ok. Its ok it wasn’t your fault.” Just then Alicia and Ethan come running over.

“The police and ambulance are on their way, are you ok Y/N?” Alicia says. She buries her head in my chest balling and holding me tight.

“She’s ok, he shot himself.”

“Ok, don’t worry Y/N everything going to be ok. We should still have a doctor check on her and the baby.”

“Yeah thats a good idea.” I respond. Suddenly we hear sirens. I start to try and get up but Ethan stops me.

“No you stay here with her, we’ll go and show them the way.

The police come in first followed by paramedics and soon a coroner and crime scene cleaners arrived. The paramedics take us to the hospital and an officer follows to take our statements while one stays behind to talk to Ethan and Alicia. The case was pretty open and shut as the officer put it. Everything Y/N did was out of self defence, plus the whole thing was caught on surveillance cameras around the office. No charges would be filed and the death would be classified as a suicide. After taking our statements and explaining all of this to us the officer left. Aside from some bruises on her neck and arms and a sprained ankle from being pushed down Y/N was completely ok. What we were really worried about was the baby. After they checked her out they ran some tests on the baby. We waited in that examination room for what felt like hours. She lay on the bed in a hospital gown, her clothes taken away for evidence. She reached out to me and I lay next to her, holding her in my arms as we both cried and cried and cried.

“I’m so sorry Bailey, this is all my fault.”

“Why? You didn’t make any of this happen, don’t even think that way.”

“I can’t explain it, at lunch I just had this nagging feeling that I should leave early. But for whatever reason I told myself I was being narcotic and ignored it. I should’ve just gone home-“

“It wouldn’t have mattered, he would’ve just followed you there.”

“I know that he did some terrible things… but I don’t know… he was still-“

“Someone you cared about? Its ok, I understand.”

“He was my first serious relationship, we knew each other for so long. I think some part of me thought that if he got better that we could somehow still be friends…” she says tears streaming down her cheeks.

“I know, thats one of the things I love about you. You have an extremely forgiving heart and you always try to find the best in everyone. Even after everything he put you through you refused to give up on him. Shh baby, its over now. Everything is going to be alright.”

“Hey everything alright?” Ethan asks entering the room with Alicia, they had gone to our apartment and picked up a set of clothes for Y/N before coming.

“She’s ok, they’re just running tests on the baby.”

“You are one of the strongest, bravest people I know.” Ethan says leaning down and gently hugging Y/N.

“Thanks E.”

“Yeah bro and I can’t thank you guys enough for being there tonight.” I say getting up and hugging them both.

“I’ll always be there for you Gray, no matter what.” Ethan says as we hug.

“Me too, for both of you.” Alicia says taking Y/N’s hand and giving her a quick peck on the cheek.

“Love you Ali.” Y/N says holding her hand tightly.

“Um so I have the results, may we have a moment.” The doctor says entering the room.

“Oh its ok their family.” I say.

“Alright, well its good news. You are a very lucky young lady. The babies are alright.”

“Oh that is such a- wait a minute did you just say babies?�� I ask.

“As in plural?” Y/N adds.

“Oh yes, you didn’t know your having twins?”

“Oh my god twins! Bailey we’re having twins!” Y/N says reaching out for me. I engulf her in a hug speechless for what to say, we just hold each other tears streaming down both our cheeks.

“Congrats you guys!” Ethan and Alicia say together. We all hug and the doctor hands us our ultrasound before letting us know we’re good to go. When we left the hospital I knew it was the end of one chapter, but the beginning of the next.

Chapter 6: Finally Free

After that night everything changed. It changed my whole view on life. It really made me look at my life differently and appreciate every second of it. I was alive by chance, I had come so close to losing my life and my baby. I had to hold on to it tightly from now on. Live it to the fullest. For Harrison. He may have made mistakes, but he was still someone who I cared about. He was a big part of my life. It had changed Grayson too obviously. He never took a single second for granted, never missed a chance to tell me how much he loved me. And vice versa. We weren’t sure if it was appropriate for us to attend the funeral, but even after everything he’d put me through I felt like I needed to be there. I need to say goodbye and finally close that chapter of my life. I didn’t ask Bailey to go with me. This was something I needed to do and I knew in his heart Bailey just couldn’t face him. And I couldn’t force him to be there, no matter how much I wanted him to. The night before the funeral I couldn’t sleep at all. Harrison’s face was the only thing on my mind. Memories of our relationship played through my mind like a movie. I remembered all the good times; the day we met, our first date, our first kiss, the first time we said I love you, our first time… and how we reunited under the mistletoe. I thought of the hours upon hours we used to spend in his sculpting studio. Listening to Sonny and Cher, laughing… tears began rushing down my cheeks, I didn’t want to wake Bailey so I crept out onto out balcony and sunk into the big reclining chair that was out there. Suddenly all the bad memories didn’t matter. Everything that had happened, the way he treated me towards the end… I was so angry at him, I didn’t think I could ever forgive him. But now that he was gone thats all I wanted to do. I wanted to tell him it was ok. That I forgave him. But I couldn’t. I could never tell him anything again. He was gone. For a split second I wondered if I was still in love with him. But I looked down at my engagement ring and then my belly and I just knew. Bailey was the one. Harrison was a huge part of my life, but that part was over before he was gone. He was my first love and nothing could ever change that. But I realized now that the love I had with Harrison was nothing compared to what Bailey and I had. What we had was what I thought love was supposed to be. Not what it was. Love isn’t constantly forgiving him even though he never changes. Love isn’t one side fighting for the other. Its two sides dancing in perfect sync. Its two people working together to make something wonderful. It was what I had with Bailey. What we were making together. I think that the little part of me that loved Harrison was hurting so much right now that it almost made me forget that. I slowly stood up from the chair and walked towards the door. I opened it a crack and looked inside towards Bailey’s sleeping silhouette. Watching his heart beat, his chest slowly rise and fall I couldn’t help but smile. I was so god damn lucky, I fell in love twice. Most people couldn’t even find it once, but here I was, with the love of my life. I stood up and walked to the railing. Taking in the perfect starry night, silently thanking God for everything he gave and praying that Harrison was safe with him. Suddenly I heard something behind me. I turned around to see a sleep Bailey leaning agains the door frame.

“Oh babe, I’m so sorry did I wake you?” I ask suddenly shivering from the cool air.”

Without saying a word Bailey sighs, picks up the blanket from the chair and drapes it over my shoulders. I can tell something is bothering him but before I can ask him he walks back inside.

“Gray wait!” I say tossing the blanket back on the chair and following him inside. I reach for his shoulder and stop him before he gets back into bed. “Hey, if somethings bothering you you can tell me Bailey.” He sighs and turns to face me.

“He was your first love Y/N, I can’t compete with that…” he says plopping down onto the bed, head in his hands.

“Grayson look at me,” I say sitting next to him and bringing his gaze up to meet mine. “What Harrison and I had is what I thought love was. It was like adolescent love, we were just kids when we got to together we had no idea what real love was. I’ll admit we had a lot of fun in the beginning, but when things started getting serious it was always me fighting for him. I was the one who was always forgiving him even though he kept doing the same thing over and over again. Thats not real love. What you and I have thats real love. Being there for each other, taking care of each other and working hard to create something wonderful thats what you and I have. You’ve given me everything I could ever dreamed of,” I say placing is hand on my tummy “and I can never thank you for that. I just think that the little part of me that loved Harrison is hurting right now… but I’m so sorry if I made you feel like you weren’t good enough. The truth is I think I’m just feeling guilty about never forgiving him, you know never getting to say it to his face, because now I’ll never get the chance…”

“You don’t have anything to feel guilty about love, as long as you’ve forgiven him in your heart all you can do is pray that he knows that… and I think he does.” He replies squeezing my hand.

“Do you have any idea how much I love you?” I asks running my fingers through his hair. He leans forward and places a soft kiss to my lips.

“Love you more…” He says resting his forehead on mine. “You know what, I think I’d like to come with you tomorrow.”

“Are you sure? Baby its really ok, you don’t have to.”

“No, I want to. I just want to pay my respects, besides I don’t want you to do this alone.”

“Thank you Bailey, you have no idea how much this means to me.

The next morning the two of us flew back Jersey for the service. My whole family was there and we all paid our respects. As I placed a single yellow rose on the casket I said my final goodbye. Bailey by my side the entire time. I was finally free, it was finally over.

Chapter 7: Happily Ever After

We decided out of respect to move the wedding to September, the day we first met; which Bailey adorably remembered! We also decided to get married in Australia, our home away from home. As the big day got nearer our excitement grew and grew. Finally it was September 4th. The night before the wedding. We stayed in separate hotel rooms that night.

“Ok babe, so I’ll see you tomorrow…” I say as I leave he and Ethan’s room.

“Yep, tomorrow…” He replies kissing my forehead and then getting on his knees and kissing my huge belly. I sigh and run my fingers through his hair. “Hey you ok? Getting cold feet?” He asks standing up.

“Not a chance, I just cant believe how lucky I am.” I say placing one hand on his cheek and the other on my belly.

“I love you so god damn much.” He says connecting our lips in a rough kiss. I cup his cheeks and pull him a close as I can.

“Alright you love birds, break it up! you’ll see each other in the morning!” Jess says walking up to us.

“Bye…” I whisper breaking the kiss.

“Sleep well princess…” he says kissing my nose and letting me go. I start to walk away holding his hand as long as I can until Jess finally pulls us apart.

Wedding Day

The next morning everyone buzzed around getting ready. Our suite was hair and makeup central for the bridesmaids. My dress (which had taken me months to find) was steamed and waiting for me. It was perfect, a very modest sweetheart neckline and diamond detailing right above the bump. It flowed beautifully and I felt beautiful in it. I wore my hair up and finished the look with a long veil and a bouquet of purple roses. Jess was just about to put my veil on for me when mom walked in.

“Oh baby you look so beautiful!” She exclaims upon seeing me.

“Thanks mom! I’m so nervous!”

“Don’t worry honey, as soon as you see him that’ll all fade away.”

“She’s right Y/N, as soon as I saw Kyle standing at the end of the isle all my nerves just disappeared.”

“I just hope I don’t throw up.” I saw rubbing my belly.

“Trust me you’ll be fine sweetie.” Mom says rubbing my shoulder. “I have something for you.” She says pulling a box from behind her back. She hands me the box and I open and gasp. Inside is our grandmothers rose diamond encrusted brooch.

“Mom are you sure?”

“Yes, I want you to wear it today. I wore it on my wedding and Jessica on hers, its your turn now.”

“Thank you, I love you mom.” I exclaim turning and hugging her and Jess. I fasten the brooch in my hair and Jess secures my veil. I look myself over in the mirror one last time just as Ethan pokes his head in the room.

“Ok we’re gonna head to the church- oh wow, Y/N you look amazing!” He says catching sight of me.

“Thanks E, so how is he?”

“Shot full of nerves, but he’ll be ok. Me too, I guess just thinking about how this’ll be us in a few months Ally.” He says walking up to her and kissing her on the cheek.

“I still cant believe he popped the question.” She replies.

“I’m so happy for you guys, but honestly I’m kinda nervous too. Ethan would you tell him I love him.”

“He knows, but yeah I’ll tell him. See you guys out there.” He says before leaving. As he leaves my dad enters the room.

“Ok baby, you all set- Oh Y/N, your so beautiful!”

“Thanks dad, yeah I’m all set. Lets do this.” He takes my arm and leads me out. My mom and the bridesmaids all behind me. My knees shake the whole ride to the church. But as soon as we arrive all the anxiety melts away. The bridesmaids head inside and I head to the garden, where Bailey waits for me. I walk out see him standing back facing me at the end of the path. I take a deep breath and slowly walk towards him. I reach a shaky hand out and tap him on the shoulder. He inhales deeply and slowly turns around.

“Hey you…” I say.

“Oh my god babe… you look stunning!” He says hugging me, on the verge of tears.

“Thanks, you look amazing too!” I reply holding him tight.

“I love you so much…” he says breaking the hug and looking at me again.

“Love you more… so you ready for this?”

“Yeah, so ready…” he says grazing the side of my face and then placing a hadn’t on my belly.”

“Oh looks like their ready too!” I say feeling the babies kick.

“Wow, I can really feel both of them!” He exclaims.

“Come here you!” I say pulling him in for a sweet kiss.

“Hey lovebirds! We’re ready when you are!” Jess calls from the church. We break apart from each other and he takes my hand, leading me inside. When we get inside he goes into the church with his parents and my mum and dad take my arms. The bridesmaids and groomsmen enter before me. First Jess and Kyle, then Ethan and Alicia, then Cameron and her boyfriend. Finally my niece Genevieve, the flower girl walked in tossing rose petals and then it was my turn. The doors open and we stepped inside. My mom on my right and dad on my left. I looked ahead at my Bailey, tears in his eyes. I had never felt so loved in my life. We reached the altar and I gave my mom a kiss first.

“I love you baby…” she whispered letting go of me and taking her seat. Then I turned to my dad. Suddenly tears fill my eyes. He leans forward and kisses my cheek.

“I love baby girl…” he whispers.

“I love you too dad…” I whisper back. He smiles and takes my hand placing it in Grayson’s.

“You take care of my daughter son.” He says.

“I promise.” Gray replies. My dad smiles at him and lets me go before taking his seat.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony. The bride and groom will now recite their vows to each other. We’ll start with the groom.”

“6 years ago today I met this incredible girl before me. She was smart and witty and beautiful, inside and out. Y/N I still can’t believe you said yes, that your standing front of me right now and this is happening. I guess what I’m trying to say is falling in love with you has been the greatest adventure of my life. And I can’t wait to start this new adventure with you.” He says placing a hand on my belly. “ I place my hand over his as he wipes a tear from my face.

“And now the bride.” The pastor says turning to me.

“Bailey, my sweet Bailey. There are so many things I wish I could say right now, millions of reasons why I love you. But what it comes down to is this, you were there for me when I really needed you. You were always there for me. And I don’t know if I can ever repay you for that. You make me feel like I can fly, even when my feet are on the ground. And I can’t wait to start this new life with you, not just as husband and wife but also as parents. I love you to the moon and back, and I always will.”

“That was lovely my dear, may we have the rings?”

Baileys little cousin Shane then walks up to us with the rings.

“Thanks little man, you did great!” Gray whispers as we take the rings from him and quickly hugging him.

“Do you Grayson Bailey Dolan take Y/F/N to be your lawfully wedded wife as long you both shall live?” The pastor says to Gray.

“I do.”

“Then place the ring on her finger and say with this ring I thee wed.”

“With this ring I thee wed.” He says placing the ring on my finger.

“And do you Y/F/N take Grayson Bailey Dolan to be your lawfully wedded husband as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.”

“Then place the ring on his finger and say with this ring I thee wed.

“With this ring I thee wed.” I say slipping the ring onto his finger.

“Now that they have formalized the existence of the bond between them with words spoken and with the giving and receiving of rings, it is my pleasure to pronounce Grayson and Y/N husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride!”

With those words, Grayson leans forward and connects our lips in a passionate kiss. I cup his cheeks and pull him close, smiling into the kiss. Finally, we break apart and our family and friends all cheer and throw rose petals at us as we leave the church. A few months later, at the beginning of January I gave birth to our beautiful identical twins girls. Elena Rose and Elizabeth Grace, who we would call Lena and Liza. We were so incredibly happy. We had each other, we had our girls and everything was perfect. It was the beginning of our happily ever after.

#dolan twins #dolan twins imagines #grayson dolan imagine #grayson bailey dolan #bailey #Demons Of The Past

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